Monitoring water quality in the Buna and Drin Rivers for a better river basin management

Monitoring water quality in the Buna and Drin Rivers for a better river basin management

A small multiparameter probe is placed about 15 metres into the water to measure its quality. "The data, along with the GPS location, is recorded on a device, providing a picture of the water's ecological condition," says Klea Trokoliçi, a specialist from the Water Resources Management Agency. From the surface, a deep green colour can be seen in the water near the old bridge over the Buna River in Shkoder.

As the probe is taken out of the water, some of the results appear straight away. However, it's the detailed processing of this data that gives a clearer and more reliable understanding of the water's condition, helping to identify if pollution from urban discharges is present. During a water monitoring campaign organised by EU4Rivers in cooperation with the Water Resources Management Agency (AMBU) and the National Environmental Agency (AKM), in-situ samples were taken at selected GPS-referenced points along the Buna River and at Shkodra Lake near Shiroka.

Once processed, the data showed the physical and chemical characteristics of the water bodies. A water temperature of 25°C was normal for the season, with expected differences depending on depth. Dissolved oxygen levels were mostly good, although one river site showed lower oxygen levels, possibly caused by stagnant water or decaying organic matter. "Turbidity levels varied, with increases possibly linked to disturbed sediment or recent rainfall. Electrical conductivity and salinity confirmed freshwater conditions, with slight differences between sites likely caused by tributary inflows or scattered pollution. The pH remained neutral to slightly alkaline, which is typical for natural surface waters," the monitoring report notes.

Specialists highlighted the measured ammonium concentrations as an important indicator of possible nutrient pollution sources. The report suggests that the overall healthy dissolved oxygen levels and neutral to slightly alkaline pH mean that the water bodies are generally well-oxygenated, lowering the risk of significant organic matter build-up and ammonium accumulation. According to the results, "the local drop in dissolved oxygen at one river site, combined with occasional spikes in turbidity, likely due to sediment disturbance or runoff, could point to temporary inputs of organic material or nutrients, potentially causing short-term increases in ammonium levels."

As the EU4Rivers programme aims to protect and improve the quality of water bodies in Albania, the monitoring looks beyond problems that can be seen at the surface. By working with the Water Resources Management Agency, Albanian Geological Survey, Institute of Geoscience, National Environment Agency, and the Institute of Public Health, the project identifies whether action is needed to improve water quality where it is poor, or to keep it stable where it is already good.

"The EU4Rivers project is dedicated to improving water quality in the Buna River through the development of the second-cycle River Basin Management Plan for the Drin-Buna basin. This plan will identify the main pressures and set out clear measures to reduce pollution, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable use of water resources in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. By the end of the project, we expect to have a detailed plan guiding concrete actions to protect the Buna River's ecological health and help achieve good water status," says the EU4Rivers project management team. They also note that, during recent monitoring, the project supported national and local authorities with technical coordination and equipment, helping them gather essential data for planning and decision-making.

The advanced monitoring tools support both surface water and groundwater assessments and play an important role in identifying indicators of water health. They also help improve understanding of the condition of water resources and support the development and implementation of River Basin Management Plans.

Background information

EU4Rivers is a project co-financed by EU and Austrian Development Cooperation for all 61 municipalities in Albania, aiming to maintain or improve the water bodies' quality status in Albania. It enhances the implementation of the National Water Reform and the progress of Albania towards meeting EU water legislation requirements - resulting in increased capacities for managing the sector in line with EU policies. Expected results are overarching Integrated Water Management legal and institutional framework is substantially enhanced in line with the requirements of the EU acquis (Water Framework Directive and other water-related directives); The implementation of River Basin Management is increased in all river basins in line with the requirements of the WFD; Water monitoring, reporting and enforcement are sustainably enhanced in line with the requirements of water-related EU directives. With a project value of around 8,800,000.00 €, it is implemented by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA).