Improvement of water statistics with particular reference to water quality

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.