and nature; participation by all sectors of
society in environmental management; and
the promotion of international activities.
Uniform water quality regulations for
public water and groundwater were
enacted to protect human health. In order to
protect the living environment, different
standards were set for each type of water
body including rivers, seas and coastal
areas, and lakes. Currently, EQSs have been
established for 26 substances relating to
human health, including cadmium and total
cyanide. Environmental standards were
established for groundwater quality in
March 1997. Additionally, 22 other
substances were designated as "monitoring
substances" needing further observation.
To help protect the living environment
EQSs were also established for biological
oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen
demand (COD), and dissolved oxygen (DO).
Furthermore,inordertoprevent
eutrophication EQSs for nitrogen and
phosphorus levels in lakes/reservoirs and
sea/coastal areas were established