The Aquatic Research Institute Eawag analyses water samples from Swiss rivers as part of the National River Monitoring and Survey Programme (NADUF) . The monitoring programme, which is carried out jointly with the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2022. It has contributed significantly to the improved condition of water bodies today and will remain relevant in the future, for example to monitor the amount of nutrients in water bodies.

Eawag’s role

Eawag has been involved in the monitoring programme since it was launched in 1972. The institute is responsible for analysing the water samples and publishes the data publicly on an ongoing basis. The trainees in the analytical and training laboratory make a special contribution: as part of their training, they can contribute to the Federal assignment and analyse water samples every week. In the video, they explain how they go about it and what it means to them personally to be involved in such a programme.
 

Cover picture: Through their work, Eawag trainees provide the basis for many years of water quality monitoring (Photo: Eawag, Manuel Koller)