Water is the source of life and a fundamental necessity for life as we know it. In nature, water does not exist in an absolutely pure form. Its ability to dissolve various inorganic and organic substances facilitates the transfer of minerals and nutrients in nature, but simultaneously also that of substances harmful to the environment and living organisms. The chemical composition of water is influenced by soil erosion, mineral weathering, atmospheric deposition, and anthropogenic inputs of various pollutants and contaminants. That is why it is essential to monitor and protect water resources in order to ensure their sustainable use and management. Monitoring is the process of repeated observation and tracking of one or more indicators of water quality and quantity according to a predefined programme.
Surface water and groundwater monitoring involves overseeing the condition of surface waters, including coastal waters, as well as groundwater. This process includes sampling and testing water based on indicators for determining: