The Operational System of Surface Water Monitoring in Hungary and the European Union

Abstract

The aim of the author is to provide a comprehensive picture of the national and international surface monitoring systems operated in the field of water quality protection  between sustainable and integrated water management.  After the national and international historical introduction,  the article provides information on the historical, water  diplomatic background and structure of the Water  Framework Directive and its operated monitoring system.  Studying the results of conventions and institutional  collaborations for the 40 years of water quality protection,  the structure of monitoring networks, and the mutually  supportive system, provides a useful basic knowledge for water experts who design new measures in response to climate change, biodiversity loss and social and agricultural  needs in connection with setting up monitoring as a basis  for impact assessment of measures.