In recent years, the adequacy of collected water quality data and the performance of existing monitoring networks have been seriously evaluated for two basic reasons. First, an efficient information system is required to satisfy the needs of water quality management plans and to aid in the decision-making process. Second, this system has to be realized under the constraints of limited financial resources, sampling and analysis facilities, and manpower. Problems observed in available data and shortcomings of current networks have led researchers to focus more critically on the design procedures used. The book is intended to present an up-to-date overview of the current network design procedures and develop basic guidelines to be followed in both the design and the redesign of water quality monitoring networks. The book treats the network design problem in a comprehensive and systematic framework, starting with objectives of monitoring and elaborating on various technical design features, e.g. selection of sampling sites, sampling frequencies, variables to be monitored, and sampling duration. The design procedures presented are those that the authors have recently applied in a number of national and international projects on the design and redesign of water quality monitoring networks. Thus, the book covers real case studies where not only the methods described in the earlier titles are used but also new techniques are introduced. Where earlier methods are used, they are assessed with respect to their efficiency and applicability to real case problems. Audience: Essentially, the framework adopted in the book applies as well to other hydrometric data collection networks besides those of water quality. In this respect, it is expected that planners, designers, scientists, and engineers who are involved in hydrometric network design will benefit from the in-depth approach assumed in this book. It will also be of interest to research and data centers, international programs and organizations related to environmental monitoring. The book may also be used as a reference text in graduate courses of water resources and environmental engineering programs.

The purpose of this book is to present practical information on the planning and conduction of river water quality monitoring studies.

Considering the significance of water quality for drinking, irrigation and industry, availability of accurate and sufficient water quality data is necessary and having enough data without proper interpretation is not helpful for water quality management decisions. Hence, analysis of the existing data and prediction of future of water quality is vital. The current volume first defines the importance of water quality parameters regarding public health and irrigation. Secondly, the climatic situation and hydrological cycle of the area is considered for interpretation of the data. Various methodologies such as Box-Jenkins time series analysis, water quality indices, artificial neural networks and principal component analysis are described and applied to actual data for different environmental conditions such as arid, semiarid and mountainous areas. This book is a user manual for students and professionals involved in water quality planning and management.