Systems view of integrated water quality monitoring within the requirements of the new national water policy in South Africa

The new National water policy adopted by the South African government establishes integrated catchment management for the future management of water resources in South Africa. The most reliable water quality monitoring systems are those using the water budget approach involving all the elements of a hydrological cycle. A systems view is presented of the elements of a managed water cycle and of spatial desegregation for water quality monitoring. A standard spatial organization for water quality monitoring is proposed. The hierarchical structure of this methodology is described. The selection of locations for data collection stations is discussed.