The Global Water Quality database and information system GEMStat is hosted, operated, and maintained by the International Centre for Water Resources and Global Change (ICWRGC) in Koblenz, Germany, within the framework of the GEMS/Water Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and in cooperation with the Federal Institute of Hydrology. GEMStat hosts water quality data of ground and surface waters providing a global overview of the condition of water bodies and the trends at global, regional and local levels.

This dataset contains a summary of the global data availability for 38 monitored water quality constituents, as described and used in: Jones et al 2024 Environ. Res. Lett. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ad6919This includes information on the location (e.g. site_id, latitude, longitude, country_name), the database of origin (database), water quality constituent information (e.g. group, sub-group) and the number of daily measurements in the period 1980-2021.Additionally, the spatial and temporal distribution of water quality data per constituent are provided as Figures.

A major problem related to large-scale water quality modeling has been the lack of available observation data with a good spatiotemporal coverage. This has affected the reproducibility of previous studies and the potential improvement of existing models. In addition to the observation data itself, insufficient or poor quality metadata has also discouraged researchers to integrate the already available datasets. Therefore, improving both the availability and quality of open water quality data woould increase the potential to implement predictive modeling on a global scale. We aim to address the aforementioned issues by presenting the new Global River Water Quality Archive (GRQA) by integrating data from five existing global and regional sources: Canadian Environmental Sustainability Indicators program (CESI), Global Freshwater Quality Database (GEMStat), GLObal RIver Chemistry database (GLORICH), European Environment Agency (Waterbase) and USGS Water Quality Portal (WQP). The resulting dataset covering the timeframe 1898 - 2020 contains a total of over 17 million observations for 42 different forms of some of the most important water quality parameters, focusing on nutrients, carbon, oxygen and sediments. Supplementary metadata and statistics are provided with the observation time series to improve the usability of the dataset.

Last update: 2022-03-11

GRQA_v1.2 contains three updated files compared to GRQA_v1.1:

• NH4N_GRQA.csv
• NO2N_GRQA.csv
• NO3N_GRQA.csv

The files were updated, because the assumed conversion constants used for the corresponding GLORICH observations were found to be incorrect. The corresponding files in GRQA_figures.zip and GRQA_meta.zip are yet to be updated, but will be in GRQA_v1.3.

The explanation for the updated conversion constants is given in this notebook:
https://nbviewer.org/github/LandscapeGeoinformatics/GRQA_src/blob/main/testing/glorich_conversion_test.ipynb

An overview of all the files in the dataset can be found in README_v1.2.txt.

Statistical overview of all 42 parameters is given in the data catalog file GRQA_data_catalog.pdf.

For more information about the development of this dataset look for Virro, H., Amatulli, G., Kmoch, A., Shen, L., and Uuemaa, E.: GRQA: Global River Water Quality Archive, Earth Syst. Sci. Data, 13, 5483–5507, https://doi.org/10.5194/essd-13-5483-2021, 2021.

Water Quality Monitoring Market size was valued at USD 6.18 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 9.83 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.60% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Water Quality Monitoring Market Drivers

Stringent Environmental Regulations: Governments and regulatory bodies enforce strict water quality standards, driving the need for effective monitoring systems.

Rising Awareness of Water Pollution: Increasing awareness of the adverse effects of water pollution on health and the environment boosts the demand for water quality monitoring.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in monitoring technologies, such as real-time data collection, remote sensing, and IoT-enabled devices, enhance the effectiveness and appeal of water quality monitoring systems.

Growing Industrialization: Industrial activities contribute to water pollution, necessitating the implementation of monitoring systems to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

Expanding Urbanization: Rapid urbanization increases the demand for clean water and effective monitoring systems to manage water resources and quality.

Climate Change Impact: Climate change and its effects on water sources drive the need for continuous monitoring to manage water quality and availability.

Government Initiatives and Funding: Government programs and funding for water quality improvement projects support the adoption of monitoring systems.

Increasing Health Concerns: The growing concern over waterborne diseases and health issues related to contaminated water encourages the use of water quality monitoring solutions.

Development of Smart Cities: The integration of smart technologies in urban planning includes advanced water quality monitoring systems to ensure sustainable water management.

Agricultural Activities: Monitoring water quality in agricultural areas is crucial to prevent contamination from pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals, driving the demand for monitoring systems.

These files represent the raw data used to generate a global model of median dissolved and total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations. This was used in an assessment of the likelihood of periphyton growth.Prospective users are to acknowledge and abide by the policies of the data providers (e.g. GEMStat.org; www.lawa.org.nz etc). Use of this processed database should acknowledge the authors.

Global Water quality monitoring Market has valued at USD 6.47 Billion in 2023 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 5.92% through 2029.

This dataset comprises data from the GEMStat database that are available under an open data license (CC BY 4.0 or equivalent). It is made available on the Zenodo repository. GEMStat provides access to freshwater quality data. The data are voluntarily provided by countries and organizations worldwide within the framework of the GEMS/Water Programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The dataset includes more than 20 million measurement from over 13,000 stations and covering more than 600 different parameters and spans the time period from 1906 to 2023. This represents over 70% of all GEMStat data, further data is only available under more restricted data licenses. GEMStat is operated by the GEMS/Water programme of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and hosted at the International Centre for Water Resources and Global Change (ICWRGC) and the German Federal Institute of Hydrology (BfG). The data in GEMStat is provided by National Hydrological Services of UN member states.

This statistic shows the percentage of respondents who were satisfied with the quality of the air and water in their respective local areas in 2017. The statistic also provides a global average. In 2017, 77 percent of respondents around the world were satisfied with the quality of the air in their local area and 70 percent were satisfied with the quality of the water.

Air pollution in China

Globally, about 77 percent of people reported being satisfied with the air quality in the city they live in. About 89 percent of those living in South Asia are satisfied with air quality. Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Singapore are home to the cities with the highest satisfaction level in the world regarding clean air. However, criticism of China’s air quality and pollution problems has gained more attention on a global scale.

As the 2015 winter began, many citizens in China started to burn coal to heat their homes, which has led to record-breaking smog levels. In Shenyang, PM2.5 levels were reported to be over 1,400 micrograms per cubic meter, over 50 times the levels that the World Health Organization considers safe. PM2.5 refers to fine atmospheric particulate matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less, which can adversely impact human health and climate. In 2013, particulate matter concentrations (PM10) in Shijiazhuang reached 154 micrograms per cubic meters; 40 micrograms per cubic meter is considered to be a safe level. Pollution in northeastern China is a growing problem due to the country's substantial industrial sector, including coal mining.

The Chinese government has been blamed for its inexperience in dealing with pollution and in 2014, reported that only eight of the country’s 74 largest cities have passed basic air quality standards. China has gradually increased investments in countering pollution as it becomes a more controversial issue. In 2006, China spent 256.6 billion yuan on counter-initiatives and has increased investments to 954 billion yuan by 2017, which accounted for 1.15 percent of China’s GDP.

Data DescriptionWater Quality Parameters: Ammonia, BOD, DO, Orthophosphate, pH, Temperature, Nitrogen, Nitrate.Countries/Regions: United States, Canada, Ireland, England, China.Years Covered: 1940-2023.Data Records: 2.82 million.Definition of ColumnsCountry: Name of the water-body region.Area: Name of the area in the region.Waterbody Type: Type of the water-body source.Date: Date of the sample collection (dd-mm-yyyy).Ammonia (mg/l): Ammonia concentration.Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) (mg/l): Oxygen demand measurement.Dissolved Oxygen (DO) (mg/l): Concentration of dissolved oxygen.Orthophosphate (mg/l): Orthophosphate concentration.pH (pH units): pH level of water.Temperature (°C): Temperature in Celsius.Nitrogen (mg/l): Total nitrogen concentration.Nitrate (mg/l): Nitrate concentration.CCME_Values: Calculated water quality index values using the CCME WQI model.CCME_WQI: Water Quality Index classification based on CCME_Values.Data Directory Description:Category 1: DatasetCombined Data: This folder contains two CSV files: Combined_dataset.csv and Summary.xlsx. The Combined_dataset.csv file includes all eight water quality parameter readings across five countries, with additional data for initial preprocessing steps like missing value handling, outlier detection, and other operations. It also contains the CCME Water Quality Index calculation for empirical analysis and ML-based research. The Summary.xlsx provides a brief description of the datasets, including data distributions (e.g., maximum, minimum, mean, standard deviation).Combined_dataset.csvSummary.xlsxCountry-wise Data: This folder contains separate country-based datasets in CSV files. Each file includes the eight water quality parameters for regional analysis. The Summary_country.xlsx file presents country-wise dataset descriptions with data distributions (e.g., maximum, minimum, mean, standard deviation).England_dataset.csvCanada_dataset.csvUSA_dataset.csvIreland_dataset.csvChina_dataset.csvSummary_country.xlsxCategory 2: CodeData processing and harmonization code (e.g., Language Conversion, Date Conversion, Parameter Naming and Unit Conversion, Missing Value Handling, WQI Measurement and Classification).Data_Processing_Harmonnization.ipynbThe code used for Technical Validation (e.g., assessing the Data Distribution, Outlier Detection, Water Quality Trend Analysis, and Vrifying the Application of the Dataset for the ML Models).Technical_Validation.ipynbCategory 3: Data Collection SourcesThis category includes links to the selected dataset sources, which were used to create the dataset and are provided for further reconstruction or data formation. It contains links to various data collection sources.DataCollectionSources.xlsxOriginal Paper Title: A Comprehensive Dataset of Surface Water Quality Spanning 1940-2023 for Empirical and ML Adopted ResearchAbstractAssessment and monitoring of surface water quality are essential for food security, public health, and ecosystem protection. Although water quality monitoring is a known phenomenon, little effort has been made to offer a comprehensive and harmonized dataset for surface water at the global scale. This study presents a comprehensive surface water quality dataset that preserves spatio-temporal variability, integrity, consistency, and depth of the data to facilitate empirical and data-driven evaluation, prediction, and forecasting. The dataset is assembled from a range of sources, including regional and global water quality databases, water management organizations, and individual research projects from five prominent countries in the world, e.g., the USA, Canada, Ireland, England, and China. The resulting dataset consists of 2.82 million measurements of eight water quality parameters that span 1940 - 2023. This dataset can support meta-analysis of water quality models and can facilitate Machine Learning (ML) based data and model-driven investigation of the spatial and temporal drivers and patterns of surface water quality at a cross-regional to global scale.Note: Cite this repository and the original paper when using this dataset.

On-Line Water Quality Monitoring System Market Outlook

As of 2023, the global On-Line Water Quality Monitoring System market size is valued at approximately USD 3.5 billion, with expectations to reach USD 6.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2024 to 2032. The market's expansion is driven by increasing regulatory and public awareness regarding water pollution and the need for real-time monitoring of water quality across various sectors. The growing importance of maintaining safe drinking water and managing wastewater effectively in both developed and emerging economies is a critical factor contributing to the market's growth. Additionally, the rapid advancement in sensor technology and data analytics capabilities further propels the market, offering enhanced solutions for water quality monitoring.

The growth of the On-Line Water Quality Monitoring System market is primarily fueled by the rising global water pollution levels and the subsequent stringent regulations imposed by governments around the world. As incidences of waterborne diseases and contamination rise, there is an increasing demand for real-time monitoring systems capable of providing accurate and timely data on water quality. This is especially crucial for municipal bodies responsible for supplying drinking water and managing wastewater. The implementation of such monitoring systems helps these bodies comply with legal standards and ensure public safety. Moreover, the heightened awareness among consumers about water quality and the push for sustainable practices further support the demand for advanced water quality monitoring solutions.

Technological advancements play a significant role in the market's expansion. The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (artificial intelligence) in water quality monitoring systems has revolutionized the industry. These technologies enable the remote monitoring of water quality, predictive analytics, and efficient data management, making the systems more user-friendly and effective. The incorporation of IoT facilitates the communication of data in real-time, allowing for prompt decision-making and action in cases of contamination. As a result, more industries and municipalities are adopting these smart solutions to enhance their water management processes, thereby driving market growth.

Another major growth factor is the increasing industrialization and urbanization across the globe, particularly in developing regions. This leads to higher effluent discharge and the need for better wastewater management practices. Industries are under pressure to monitor and control their water emissions to meet both regulatory requirements and corporate responsibility norms. The adoption of on-line water quality monitoring systems provides industries with the necessary tools to ensure compliance and optimize their water usage and treatment processes. This shift towards improved water management practices is further supported by government incentives and funding in many regions, promoting the installation of advanced monitoring systems.

The implementation of a Water Monitor System is becoming increasingly vital in today's context of heightened environmental consciousness and regulatory scrutiny. These systems offer a comprehensive approach to tracking water quality, providing real-time data that is crucial for maintaining compliance with environmental standards. By integrating advanced technologies such as IoT and AI, Water Monitor Systems enhance the ability of industries and municipal bodies to detect contaminants early and take corrective actions promptly. This proactive approach not only safeguards public health but also supports sustainable water management practices, making it an indispensable tool in the fight against water pollution.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing population in countries like China and India, which impose significant stress on water resources. The need for efficient water management solutions is critical in these areas to manage the increasing demand for clean water and the challenges related to water pollution. Additionally, government initiatives aimed at improving water infrastructure and quality further propel the market's expansion in the region.

Component Analysis

The On-Line Water Quality Monitoring Sys

The global water quality sensor market size reached USD 5.7 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 9.1 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.03% during 2025-2033. The rising environmental consciousness among the masses, increasing concerns about water pollution, contamination, and depletion, and the implementation of stringent regulations and standards regarding water sources represent some of the key factors driving the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the global water quality sensor market, along with forecasts at the global, regional, and country levels from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on type and application.

Global Online Water Quality Monitoring System is segmented by Application (Water treatment, Industrial processes, Aquaculture, Research, Wastewater management), Type (Sensors, Transmitters, Analyzers, Controllers, Data loggers) and Geography(North America, LATAM, West Europe, Central & Eastern Europe, Northern Europe, Southern Europe, East Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, Oceania, MEA)

Water Quality Monitoring Equipment Market Outlook

The global water quality monitoring equipment market size was valued at approximately USD 4.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 8.9 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing environmental concerns and stringent government regulations on water quality standards, making water quality monitoring equipment essential for various sectors.

One of the key growth factors for the water quality monitoring equipment market is the escalating awareness regarding water pollution and its detrimental effects on health and the environment. Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are enacting stringent regulations to monitor and control water pollution, thus propelling the demand for advanced water quality monitoring systems. Additionally, industrial waste discharge, urbanization, and agricultural activities have significantly contributed to water pollution, necessitating continuous monitoring and treatment solutions. This has created a favorable market environment for water quality monitoring equipment.

Technological advancements in water quality monitoring equipment are another major driving force. Innovations such as IoT-enabled sensors, real-time data monitoring, and advanced analytics are enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of these systems. These technologies facilitate continuous and remote monitoring of water parameters, reducing manual intervention and operational costs. As industries and municipalities strive for better water management practices, the adoption of advanced monitoring technologies is expected to surge, thereby fueling market growth.

The rise in global population and rapid urbanization are also substantial contributors to the market expansion. With increasing demand for clean and safe water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural purposes, there is a pressing need for efficient water quality monitoring systems. Urbanization leads to higher water consumption and wastewater generation, necessitating effective monitoring and treatment solutions to ensure sustainable water management practices. This trend is anticipated to boost the demand for water quality monitoring equipment in the coming years.

Water Quality Restoration is becoming increasingly important as global awareness of environmental sustainability grows. Efforts to restore water quality focus on reversing the damage caused by pollution and ensuring that water bodies are returned to a state that supports both human use and ecological health. This involves a combination of strategies, including reducing pollutant inputs, enhancing natural filtration processes, and rehabilitating aquatic habitats. As governments and organizations prioritize environmental restoration, the demand for technologies that support these initiatives, such as advanced water quality monitoring equipment, is expected to rise. These efforts not only aim to improve water quality but also to restore the biodiversity and resilience of aquatic ecosystems.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the water quality monitoring equipment market owing to strict environmental regulations and substantial investments in water infrastructure. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States plays a pivotal role in setting and enforcing water quality standards, thereby driving the adoption of monitoring equipment. Additionally, the presence of leading market players and continuous technological advancements in this region contribute to its market dominance. However, the Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth due to increasing industrialization, urbanization, and government initiatives for clean water and sanitation.

Product Type Analysis

The water quality monitoring equipment market can be segmented by product type into portable, handheld, benchtop, and others. Portable water quality monitoring equipment is gaining traction due to its flexibility and ease of use. These devices are designed for on-site testing and are widely used for field applications where immediate water quality assessment is required. The growing need for real-time data collection in remote and inaccessible areas is driving the demand for portable water quality monitoring equipment.

Handheld devices, on the other hand, are preferred for their compact size and affordability. They are extensiv

Long-term freshwater quality data from federal and federal-provincial sampling sites throughout Canada's aquatic ecosystems are included in this dataset. Measurements regularly include physical-chemical parameters such as temperature, pH, alkalinity, major ions, nutrients and metals. Collection includes data from active sites, as well as historical sites that have a period of record suitable for trend analysis. Sampling frequencies vary according to monitoring objectives. The number of sites in the network varies slightly from year-to-year, as sites are adjusted according to a risk-based adaptive management framework. The Great Lakes are sampled on a rotation basis and not all sites are sampled every year. Data are collected to meet federal commitments related to transboundary watersheds (rivers and lakes crossing international, inter-provincial and territorial borders) or under authorities such as the Department of the Environment Act, the Canada Water Act, the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy, or to meet Canada's commitments under the 1969 Master Agreement on Apportionment.

It is estimated that water quality monitoring IoT services will have an economic value of between ** and ** billion U.S. dollars by 2025, and is expected to grow to ** to ** billion U.S. dollars by 2030.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global water quality testing market size is USD XX million in 2024 and will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.90% from 2024 to 2031.

North America Water Quality Testing Market held 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe Water Quality Testing Market is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2024 to 2031. Europe accounted for a share of around 30% of the global
Asia Pacific Water Quality Testing Market held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America Water Quality Testing Market held of around 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa Water Quality Testing Market held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD XX million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from 2024 to 2031.
The sales of chemical test are poised to increase due to heightened concerns over water contamination, stricter regulations, industrial expansion, and the need for comprehensive analysis to ensure safe and compliant water sources.
The sales of HPLC-based technology are expected to rise due to its high sensitivity and versatility in detecting organic contaminants, meeting the increasing demand for precise water quality analysis in diverse industries.

Growing Awareness of Water Pollution to Increase the Sales Globally

Growing awareness of water pollution is a significant driver poised to boost global sales in the water quality testing market. As communities become increasingly cognizant of the detrimental effects of water contamination on human health and the environment, there's a heightened demand for robust testing solutions worldwide. Concerns about access to safe drinking water and the sustainability of water resources have propelled individuals, governments, and industries to prioritize water quality monitoring and testing initiatives. This heightened awareness has led to the implementation of stricter regulations and standards for water quality across various regions, further driving the need for comprehensive testing services and advanced technologies. As a result, the market for water quality testing is experiencing steady growth, with increasing investments in innovative testing methods and technologies to address emerging contaminants and ensure the safety and sustainability of global water supplies.

Rapid Industrialization and Urbanization to Propel the Market

Rapid industrialization and urbanization are powerful drivers propelling the water quality testing market forward on a global scale. As industrial activities and urban development escalate, so does the discharge of pollutants into water sources, posing significant risks to water quality and public health. The expansion of industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and mining contributes to the release of various contaminants into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. This surge in pollution necessitates stringent monitoring and testing measures to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safeguard water resources. Governments, regulatory bodies, and industries recognize the urgency of addressing these challenges, fuelling the demand for advanced water quality testing solutions and technologies. As a result, the market is witnessing a growing adoption of innovative testing methods, such as HPLC-based analysis and rapid detection techniques, to accurately identify and mitigate the impact of industrial activities on water quality, driving market growth amidst rapid industrialization and urban expansion.

Lack of Skilled Personnel to Pose a Barrier

Lack of skilled personnel poses a significant barrier in the water quality testing market. The intricate nature of testing methods, coupled with the need for precise interpretation of results, demands trained professionals proficient in laboratory techniques and data analysis. However, many regions face shortages of qualified personnel due to factors such as inadequate education and training programs or brain drain to other indu...

Stay updated with Market Research Intellect's Water Quality Monitoring Equipment Market Report, valued at USD 4.8 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 8.6 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.5% (2026-2033).

Water Quality Instruments Market size was valued at USD 3.16 Billion in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 5.27 Billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.31% from 2024 to 2031.

Global Water Quality Instruments Market Drivers

Rising Awareness of Water Pollution and Health Risks: Growing awareness of the adverse effects of contaminated water on human health and ecosystems is a significant driver. Issues such as chemical spills, industrial discharges, and agricultural runoff are increasing public and regulatory scrutiny on water quality. This has created a demand for advanced instruments capable of detecting contaminants and ensuring safe water for consumption and use.

Stringent Government Regulations: Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing strict water quality standards to protect public health and preserve aquatic ecosystems. Regulations like the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) in the U.S., the EU Water Framework Directive, and similar policies in other regions are compelling industries and municipalities to monitor and improve water quality, thereby driving the adoption of water quality instruments.

Global Water Quality Sensor Market size is set to expand from $ 5.36 Billion in 2023 to $ 10.90 Billion by 2032, with an anticipated CAGR of around 8.2% from 2024 to 2032.

Water pollution is a major concern among Americans. In a 2025 survey, some ** percent of respondents worried a great deal about pollution in drinking water, while ** percent worried a great deal about pollution of rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.