Improvement of water statistics with particular reference to water quality

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Heinonen, Pertti¹ | Herve, Sirpa²

Note: [1] Pertti Heinonen is a limnologist working in the Water Research Institute of the National Board of Waters, Finland. He is also a lecturer in regional limnology at the University of Helsinki. His special topics are biological methods, regional limnology, water quality classification and water statistics.

Note: [2] Sirpa Herve is a chemist. She is the head of the Water Laboratory in the Water District Office of Central Finland. She is also a lecturer in water chemistry and occupational safety at the University of Jyväskylä. Her special topics are chemical methods, water quality data banks and water quality classification.

Abstract: Indicators of water statistics need improvement when seen from the viewpoint of the users of such statistics. This applies to the statistical classification of water use, watercourse loading and particularly to statistics on the quality of watercourses. A general quality classification of water bodies is required for the description of the quality of water resources in international statistics. Statistical data compiled from individual water quality variables of selected watercourses are difficult to compare on an international basis and may even be misleading. The use of such statistics should be discontinued.

DOI: 10.3233/SJU-1986-4206

Journal: Statistical Journal of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 183-193, 1986