SEMEAU - Application of the Water Framework Directive through the implementation of an expert system providing a total modelling of a water mass

The project aims to build a tool for effectively protecting surface water and groundwater located in hilly or mountainous regions. The water resource originating from these areas is often of very good quality, although vulnerable to land use practices. The main objective of the project is to elaborate, test and disseminate a complete modelling method for a body of water. It will provide end-users with a useful tool to: (i) anticipate threats such as turbidity, as well as contamination from nitrates,phosphates, hydrocarbons and pesticides; (ii) model the impact of actions (foreseen in the programme); (iii) assess the efficiency of measures taken by analysing model results. The tool will be tested on two test sites (Volvic and Saint Etienne) where all activities will be taken in liaison with the local stakeholders (such as private forest owners, and farmers).