Analyses of water samples from contaminated and limed waterways in south Norway

The assignment includes analyses of water samples taken in connection with watercourse liming and initiative orientated acidification monitoring in 37 watercourses in the counties of Hedmark, Agder, Rogaland and Vestland, with the accompanying logistics connected to sending bottles and sampling plans as well as returning samples. In total the assignment includes approx. 5,000 water samples with more than 25,000 analyses per annum, from more than 200 sample taking locations/stations. Reporting the analysis results and annual imports to the national Water Environment Database is also included. The liming in the watercourses is mainly carried out from pH and water flow controlled lime dosing installations, and water chemical monitoring forms the foundation for the effect control of the liming. The water samples are to be carried out on a network of sample taking stations (water locations) upstream and downstream liming. The sampling will be carried out by municipalities and local volunteers, and organised by the contracting authority. The analysis results shall be used by the Norwegian Environment Agency in the national monitoring of limed salmon water courses, in the River Monitoring Programme and in classification of the state of the environment according to the Water Regulations. A comprehensive description of the assignment is in annex 1A of the assignment contract. See Annex 1B for an overview of sampling stations.