With increasing rates of pollution to both land and aquatic environments, regulations for the quality of our waters are necessarily becoming more stringent. In the light of recent epidemiological studies new criteria are being established for the safety of our recreational waters. In order for such criteria to be developed an established statistical framework needs to be in place. Statistical Framework for Recreational Water Quality Criteria and Monitoring offers a practical guide to the statistical methods used for assessing health effects and monitoring and modelling water quality Both traditional and novel sampling designs are discussed. Written by a team of international experts in the field, this book sets out to provide an essential structure for the monitoring of water quality. · Proposes a much-needed framework for the monitoring of water quality, and provides practical guidance on the statistical methods involved. · Covers risk characterization, empirical modelling, sensitivity analysis and measures of robustness. · Details sampling methods and quality control approaches. · Presents crucial, real-life results from recent large-scale studies of water quality, central to the development of the area. · Accompanied by a supplementary website hosting data sets and tools for data analysis. The book is primarily aimed at public health officials, staff of regulatory bodies and students and faculty members of environmental and statistical science courses. There is also much to benefit readers from environmental research and risk analysis.

Use of coastal, estuarine and freshwater recreational environments has significant benefits for health and well-being, including rest, relaxation, exercise, cultural and religious practices, and aesthetic pleasure, while also providing substantial local, regional and national economic benefits. These guidelines focus on water quality management for coastal and freshwater environments to protect public health. The guidelines: 1. describe the current state of knowledge about the possible adverse health impacts of various forms of water pollution; and2. set out recommendations for setting national health-based targets, conducting surveillance and risk assessments, putting in place systems to monitor and control risks, and providing timely advice to users on water safety.These guidelines are aimed at national and local authorities, and other entities with an obligation to exercise due diligence relating to the safety of recreational water sites. They may be implemented in conjunction with other measures for water safety (such as drowning prevention and sun exposure) and measures for environmental protection of recreational water use sites.