The need for new monitoring tools to implement the WFD

In order to meet reporting requirements linked to environmental legislation, policy makers are increasingly in need of accurate and timely information on water quality. This paper explores how and to what extent new monitoring devices can help European Union (EU) members to meet the special requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The paper will introduce an ongoing research project called SWIFT-WFD that is seeking to find ways to comply with the monitoring needs outlined by the WFD.