This project carried out an international review of monitoring networks to identify and summarise innovative approaches to inform monitoring under the water Framework Directive. SEPA said "As we review our monitoring networks to support the second cycle of the River Basin Management Plan, it's very important that we learn from approaches and opportunities developed elsewhere.
Small water and wastewater systems installed by private developers are a common feature across rural Scotland. Private developers have two options for service provision:
1. Connect to existing public services at a cost to them
2. Build private systems and operate and/or seek a vesting agreement with Scottish Water
Freshwater pearl mussels are critically endangered in Europe, with many of the largest remaining populations in Scotland. A number of studies in Europe have monitored fine sediment, or its effects, in relation to freshwater pearl mussel populations. As a result, fine sediment is recognised as one of the principal pressures affecting the species across its current range. In the UK, there is no current, agreed method for monitoring and regulating fine sediment in rivers.
Small scale water supplies are a common feature in rural areas across Europe and internationally. Safe and acceptable water for human consumption that is available in sufficient quantity, physically accessible, and affordable is a crucial prerequisite for human wellbeing and social justice. Access to safe water is not only fundamental to good health but also to economic growth, energy production, food security, resource efficiency, and education. The lack of access to sufficient amounts of safe water compromises public health and sustainability.
The CREW project ‘Developing simple indicators to assess the role of soils in determining risks to water quality’ produced a methodology and four soil risk indicators (run-off, leaching, compaction and erosion). This approach enables existing soil information to be used by non-soil specialists to help identify areas where there is a risk of diffuse water pollution.
Since the adoption of the EC Water Framework Directive (WFD), much work has been carried out on the impact of alien invasive species on the ecological status of surface waters. The WFD ‘programmes of measures’ provide a mechanism for improving the state of the aquatic environment and for tackling the ecological and economic problems caused by invasive species. Programmes of measures need to include early and urgent action on new invasions, identifying and controlling external sources of potential recolonization, as well as long-term management using appropriate tools and techniques.
Run-off from fields and farm steadings can present a pollution risk to receiving waterbodies. Treatment systems such as RSuDS have the potential to help reduce the pollution risks such drainage can present. The SRDP 2014-2020 contains options to help provide a contribution towards the costs of creating specific RSuDS features. Summary guidance exists for these measures, however technical design and build guidance is required for these RSuDS features and for other types of RSuDS which may be deemed appropriate. It is intended that this guidance would build upon the SRDP guidance and the
A key objective of the second and third River Basin Management Plans will involve the protection and improvement of identified bathing waters and shellfish waters which are at risk of failing WFD objectives due to bacterial contamination. These waters may be at risk from multiple sources of bacterial contamination originating from land use within their respective catchments. Such sources may include septic tanks, grazing livestock, farm steadings, wildlife, marinas, human effluents, etc.
The Metropolitan Glasgow Strategic Drainage Partnership is made up of Scottish Water, Glasgow City Council, Scottish Canals, South Lanarkshire Council, Clyde Gateway, Scottish Enterprise, Renfrewshire Council, East Dunbartonshire Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and represents an innovative approach to water management which meets the objectives of the Hydro Nation Agenda. Since its inception the partnership has sought innovative ways to manage urban water systems that are ultimately sustainable and support the continued growth of Glasgow.
Within the EU 20/20 program and national strategic objectives, there is recognition for a need to transition to a resource efficient and regenerative circular economy. Within this, water is seen as a significant enabling factor. While major urban managed water systems have seen much improvement to performance, small to medium supplies still require optimisation. The challenges require a balancing of investment, chemical usage, and energy demand that meets expectations of improved water quality and availability.