Ecological key factors. A method for setting realistic goals and implementing cost-effective measures for the improvement of ecological water quality

This report gives the reader an introduction to the method of so-called Ecological Key Factors for stagnant and flowing waters. This method was developed by the Foundation of Applied Water Research STOWA, in order to give the Dutch regional water authorities good insight in the actual ecological water quality of stagnant and flowing waters and - knowing that - implement cost-effective measures to attain a good ecological quality for the European Water Framework Directive.