Water quality status in the ishmi river, albania over the period 2014-2019 and prospective towards the achievements of eu wfd objectives in its basin

The Ishmi River basin, although it is the smallest of the seven watersheds of Albania, is by far the most polluted one. The assessment of water quality monitoring data over the period 2014 – 2019 in the river system shows annual average concentrations above limit values for ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, nitrate and phosphorus. The paper presents the key stages of the approach followed to identify waterbody pressures, status and impacts assessment, namely: • Identification of driving forces and pressures; • Identification of the significant pressures; • Determination of the consequent status; • Assessment of the impacts; and • Evaluation of the risk of failing to meet the objectives. Quantification of pressures, though feasible, requires significant amounts of good quality data, many of which are not currently collected in Albania. Significant improvements in data collection and coordination between competent authorities will be required as part of future measures.