Water Quality Outlook

This report presents a snapshot of global water quality issues in relation to internationally agreed goals concerning water, sanitation and biodiversity. It examines the condition of inland waters using water quality indicators and monitoring data, with attention to human health, aquatic ecosystems and socioeconomic development. The report considers evidence on metallic and microbial pollution, eutrophication, acidification and fish communities, drawing on measurements from water monitoring stations in different regions. It describes improvements and continuing concerns in water quality, including changes in nitrate, nitrite, pH and contaminant levels. The report also considers access to safe drinking water and sanitation, the role of governments in assessing water environments, and future needs for water quality monitoring.