Water Quality Status in the Erzeni River, Albania over the Period 2014–2019 and Prospective Towards the Achievements of EU WFD Objectives in Its Basin

Erzeni River flows through two of the most developed regions of Albania: Tirana and Durrës. Due to the concerns about potential pollu­tion resulting from increased human activities in its basin the major driv­ing forces and pressures were identified and the quality of the river’s water was assessed based on an evaluation of physicochemical parameters based on monitoring data over the period 2014 – 2019. Based on data analysis, the evaluation of the overall water quality status has been carried out. The as­sessment of the physicochemical parameters measured, and the use of the Water Quality Standards methodology show a deterioration of water quali­ty, however, this remains moderately good. A more precise quantification of pressures and consequent evaluation of impacts, though feasible, requires significant amounts of good quality data, much of which is not currently collected in Albania. Significant improvements in data collection and coor­dination between competent authorities will be required as part of future measures.