Long-Term Water Monitoring System (LTMS)

The effective management of any type of water body requires comprehensive, up-to-date data on its physical, chemical, and biological quality. The long-term monitoring system (LTMS) is an integrated solution for monitoring environmental indicators via satellite using Earth Observation techniques and relevant satellite imagery processing/classification, and for preparing meta-information, presented on the client’s graphical user interface (GUI). It allows for high-frequency (i.e., more than once per month) screening of a water body, without the need for field visits.

Technological infrastructure

A PC and the LTMS client application software, which can also be installed remotely if necessary.

Training

A basic knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is required. A training session may be useful to learn the use of the software, which is very user friendly.

Investment

The system does not require any maintenance.

Concept

The LTMS allows measuring environmental indicators of water quality (i.e., Chlorophyll-a, NO3, NH4, phosphorus, pH, and dissolved oxygen) by using Optical and SyntheticAperture Radar (SAR) sensor imagery and data. The LTMS is an important complement to traditional monitoring, as it provides a depiction of trends for water quality-related parameters. It can detect degraded and potentially sensitive areas, such as one-time and diffused sources of pollution.

Recommended implementation frequency

The selected satellite (Landsat 8) passes over the pilot area three times per month, assuming no weather constraints. The images are selected and processed using a pre-set algorithm. Then, the final result is stored in the server and the Protected Area Management Body receives the final image.

Cloudy meteorological conditions may negatively affect the clarity of the pictures retrieved by the satellite. A potential drawback lies in the shallowness of the lake. Calibration with field measurements and grading parameters into standardised classes may be useful to offset drawbacks and improve data quality.

Quantitative results

The LTMS is able to capture monthly and annual trends, and is able to monitor entire water bodies at 30 x 30 pixel resolution.

Transfer potential

The LTMS can be easily used to monitor water quality in any other bodies of water across the Mediterranean. The following recommendations apply:

• Carefully select the parameters to be monitored, based on the needs and requirements of the Park, but also on feasibility with the system provider.
• Verify at an early stage with the provider the frequency of measurements and of data detection;
• Test the accuracy of the measurements under different weather conditions.
• Run the monitoring activities for at least a couple of years, as they provide useful long-term trends.
• Involve all relevant stakeholders in the pilot monitoring, including scientists and research institutions whose area of interest is water quality monitoring, as they can provide useful advice and support, as well as data for the system calibration, comparison and integration.

• Lake Karla was chosen for the LTMS pilot because it is a heavily modified body of water under the protection of Natura 2000 Network and it hosts important species of fish fauna and avifauna.