The objective of the Water Quality Standards, 2018 is to establish a systematic monitoring and reporting mechanism in order to maintain a centralized data on water quality through delineation of clear roles and responsibilities to the relevant competent authorities (CAs). The Standards are issued in accordance with the National Environment Protection Act (NEPA), 2007 and the Water Act of Bhutan, 2011.
The scope of the Standards is to facilitate the effective enforcement of the following standards: i. The Ambient Water Quality; ii. Industrial Effluent Discharges; and iii. Sewerage Treatment Plant.
Roles and responsibilities of the National Environment Commission Secretariat shall include: 1. Monitor state of water resources, and compile, analyse and disseminate information. 2. Obtain any data on water volumes, flows and quality from the CAs. 3. Recognize/designate water quality monitoring sites in consultation with relevant stakeholders. 4. Conduct verification monitoring, as and when considered necessary. 5. Conduct investigative monitoring in case of deterioration of the water quality. 6. Ensure that effluent discharges are within the prescribed standards. The Standards further establish the data reporting system, the roles and responsibilities of the National Center for Hydrology & Meteorology, Thromdes/Municipalities, etc.