There is a pervasive lack of data relating to virtual-
ly all aspects of water quality and wastewater man-
agement (particularly in developing countries). UNEP
(2010) summarizes the resulting issues as follows: “A key
to understanding water quality challenges and solutions
is collecting, storing, analysing and sharing water quality
data. Without adequate data, serious water quality chal-
lenges are unlikely to be identified and managed adequate-
ly to protect human and ecosystem health. Conversely, by
monitoring water quality and collecting and sharing water
quality data, it is possible to determine if water quality in
lakes, reservoirs, rivers and groundwater is improving or de-
teriorating and to identify growing problems and potential
solutions that require prompt action. Despite the impor-
tance of good data, there are currently large gaps in mon-
itoring efforts and data related to water quality, especially
at the global scale.”