The Third Annual Inter-Celtic Colloquium on Hydrology and Management of Water Resources, will take place from today (8 July) to Wednesday (10 July) in NUI, Galway. Entitled 'Celtic Water in a European Framework – Pointing the Way to Quality', the Colloquium will be addressed by hydrology experts from Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Britain, South Africa and Poland. The event is organised by Professor Conleth Cunnane of NUI, Galway's Department of Engineering Hydrology.

During the past year, publication and enactment of the European Union Water Framework Directive, has set challenging targets for member states with regard to the long-term management of European water resources. By the year 2016, quality of all surface and ground waters in member states must, through a combination of planning, treatment and remediation, be returned to their original pristine state. One of the most important principles of the EU Directive is the emphasis on a holistic and integrated approach towards maintaining water quality. A cooperative strategy in the management of this valuable natural resource is called for, which includes the extracting, purifying and distribution of water, as well as the efficient treatment of waste water.

Topics which will be addressed at the Colloquium include, Water Quality – Pressures and Responses; Integrated River Basin Management; The Scientific Support for Management; Risk Assessment, Perception and Management; and Social history of Water use in Celtic Lands.

NUI, Galway's Department of Hydrology has a distinguished international reputation for teaching and research. Hydrology is studied at the University by students of the undergraduate programmes of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Earth & Environmental Science.

For further information:Maire Mhic Uidhir, Press Officer, NUI, Galway. 091-750418