The company “Lever Development Consultants S.A.”, a member of the “Samaras & Partners Group”, in collaboration with the Department of Chemistry and the Hydraulics Division of the School of Engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), is implementing the creation of the first regional network for the monitoring of surface and groundwater.
The project is taking place in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, funded by the European Union (ERDF) and national resources through the Public Investment Program (PIP).
The project monitoring manager and Director of the Environment Department at Lever, Dr. Giorgos Chatzinikolaou, stated:
“The creation of the network on behalf of the Water Directorate of the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace is a strategic initiative aimed at safeguarding water resources, promoting sustainable water management, ensuring public health, reducing uncertainty, protecting the environment, and creating a secure and well-defined investment environment concerning the region’s water resources.”
According to Dr. Chatzinikolaou, the value of this first-of-its-kind regional water monitoring network in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace lies in its role in complementing the National Monitoring Network and reducing uncertainty, especially regarding waters of unknown or uncertain quality status as described in the River Basin Management Plans.
The regional network is a vital initiative that will contribute to public health protection and support economic and environmental well-being. Through integrated monitoring, stakeholder engagement, and the use of advanced technology, the region can ensure the long-term sustainability and quality of its water resources.
It is worth noting that, until now, all relevant measurements have been carried out by specific public agencies for the National Monitoring Network, which, due to:
- the high cost of sampling and analysis
- limited personnel and resources,
- is unable to effectively or sufficiently cover the country’s surface and groundwater.
The new network aims to monitor the quality of groundwater and surface water (rivers, lakes, lagoons, coastal waters) through seasonal sampling and chemical analysis.
Monitoring indicators will follow national legislation, including priority substances (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides, etc.) and Environmental Quality Standards (EQS). Particular attention will be given to the amendment of the Joint Ministerial Decision (Government Gazette 69/B/22.01.2016), which includes the new list of priority substances in the field of water policy and the EQS for both priority and other polluting substances.
For groundwater systems, the monitored parameters are defined in Annex II, Part B of Directive 2006/118/EC and Guidance Document No. 18. These parameters and indicators allow for:
- assessment of overall chemical status
- monitoring of saline intrusion
- assessment of chemical degradation
- monitoring of terrestrial ecosystem degradation
- assessment of impacts on drinking water
This initiative offers many benefits:
Timely detection of pollutants and contaminants
Reduction of diseases and health risks associated with the consumption of unsafe water
Preservation of aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity by maintaining healthy water bodies
