Filter content
by selecting applicable filters below
Indicator 2.6.8
by Contact on 8 October 2026
Requirement
The UoC shall establish a Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN), following the method outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7). An exception applies where a WQMN is already established, in which case the UoC shall participate in the WQMN.
How Do I Interpret This Requirement?
-
Evidence of spatial management at a national/regional level for water quality can be used by the UoC to demonstrate that the intent of Indicator 2.6.8 has been met. To use this evidence, the following should be met:
-
The boundaries of waterbodies are defined.
-
Waterbodies are managed to ensure water quality remains at a ‘Good’ or ‘Very Good’ status.
-
Where required, corrective actions are implemented by the regulator and complied with to ensure water quality status improves.
-
-
Examples of spatial management at a national/regional level include the European Union Water Framework Directive.
-
It is the responsibility of the UoC to conduct outreach to ASC Certified sites and non-certified sites belong to ASC Certificate Holders if a Water Quality Monitoring Network (WQMN) has not been established.
-
-
Examples of outreach can include:
-
Copies of correspondence (written and email).
-
Agendas and minutes of meetings.
-
Third-party stakeholder testimony.
-
-
As per Appendix 8, section 8.7, a Terms of Reference (ToR) document shall be drafted and agreed upon by all members of the WQMN upon formation, which includes the following:
-
The membership list and commitments from members to meet the WQMN requirements, as outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7.1).
-
The assignment of a focal point, who will coordinate data sharing, the drafting of the ToR and agreement to the ToR by all members of the WQMN.
-
The focal point should ideally be a rotating position, though determination is left to discretion of the WQMN membership.
-
A commitment to review the ToR on a regular basis (for example every 12 months) or as and when required, such as when changes in membership of the WQMN occur, or when the waterbody demonstrates evidence of excessive nutrient loading, eutrophication or trophic status shifts.
-
Evidence of Implementation
-
An agreed map of the WUM by members of the WQMN, which includes the components outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7).
-
The map should be updated on an annual basis where required.
-
Evidence of outreach efforts and responses (where applicable) to ASC Certified site and non-certified sites belong to ASC Certificate Holders if a WQMN needs to be established.
-
If a WQMN has been established, the UoC presents evidence that they have joined the WQMN or the UoC can demonstrate the spatial management of water quality at a national/regional level.
-
A ToR has been agreed upon by all members of the WQMN, which includes commitments to the WQMN requirements, as outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7.1).
Auditors Should Confirm
-
A map of the WUM has been developed by the WQMN and presented by the UoC, which includes the components outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7).
-
Evidence of outreach efforts and responses to ASC Certified site and non-certified sites belong to ASC Certificate Holders if a WQMN needs to be established.
-
Auditor discretion should be used to determine if sufficient levels of outreach has been conducted, when such outreach has not been reciprocated.
-
Evidence that the UoC has formed/joined a WQMN, or that the UoC presents evidence that water quality is managed at a national/regional level.
-
A ToR has been presented, which has been agreed upon by all members of the WQMN. The ToR includes commitments to the WQMN requirements, as outlined in Appendix 8 (8.7.1).