In order to be able to assess the condition waterbodies in Switzerland over time, data must be regularly collected and documented. The FOEN, in cooperation with the cantons, provides this basis with the National Surface Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NAWA). National Monitoring Programme for substance load in Swiss watercourses (NAWA FRACHT) is a long-term federal sub-programme in which the two federal research institutes Eawag and WSL monitor the state of rivers on the basis of their substance load.
NAWA goals:
- Obtain an overview of the state of surface waters in Switzerland: simple, uniform and comparable throughout Switzerland
- Document the medium and long-term changes in the state of surface waters
- Lay the foundations for the early detection of problematic changes and for steering national water protection policy
- Provide a uniform data pool for in-depth analyses
- Monitor the performance of current and future water protection measures and other policy areas
The cantons conduct their own surveys by monitoring the state of waterbodies and to enforce water protection legislation. NAWA does not replace these surveys, which are conducted with adapted methods at many monitoring sites.
NAWA is limited to rivers and streams.
NAWA – Nationale Beobachtung Oberflächengewässerqualität
This publication does not exist in English. It is available in other languages. 2013
Gewässer in der Schweiz
This publication does not exist in English. It is available in other languages.
Monitoring concept
- TREND Basic monitoring network for long-term continuous monitoring
The TREND monitoring programme is intended to provide a long-term overview of the state of Swiss watercourses. Watercourses at ca. 140 monitoring sites throughout Switzerland are studied using a uniform set of parameters (nutrients, micropollutants and biological indicators). Chemical and physical parameters have been recorded since 2011, the first biological surveys took place in 2012 and micropollutants have been measured at selected monitoring sites since 2018. - NAWA FRACHT: National monitoring programme for substance load in Swiss watercourses
The National Monitoring Programme for substance load in Swiss watercourses (NAWA FRACHT) monitors changes in concentrations and loads of important substances in the water of selected Swiss rivers. Since 1972, chemical parameters (nutrients, geogenic substances, heavy metals), the level (discharge) as well as water temperature, electrical conductivity, pH and oxygen are continuously studied at selected sites (samples are collected). - SPEZ: Problem-related special monitoring
Specific issues are clarified with temporary monitoring programmes. These surveys take place at selected monitoring sites that are closely studied using specific methods. In 2012, 2015, 2017 and 2023, pesticide analyses were carried out in this context. In 2018 the biological state of small streams was investigated. Further programmes are being developed on an ongoing basis.
NAWA Trend List of monitoring sites (XLSX, 38 kB, 21.08.2022)Status June 2020
Methods
Further information
Data
Multimedia
How does the FOEN measure rivers, lakes and groundwater?
A video on Switzerland’s hydrological data.
Last modification 24.06.2025
