ABSTRACT
Rivers are the most important freshwater resource for man. Social, economic and political development has, in the past, been largely related to the availability and distribution of fresh waters contained in riverine systems. This chapter summarises the major river water uses. As with all freshwater systems, river quality data must be interpreted within the context of a basic understanding of the fluvial and river basin processes which control the characteristics of the river system. Similarly, the design of the monitoring network, selection of sampling methods and variables to be measured must be based on an understanding of fluvial processes as well as the requirements for water use. Climatic, meteorological, topographical and hydrological factors play a major role in the generation of river discharge. Most rivers are characterised by a condition called base flow or base discharge.
