Water governance for good ecological status and water quality in south-western Czechia – an interdisciplinary study

Summary

This study examines stakeholder efforts to meet European targets for raw water quality. Key sources of water quality deterioration include fish farming, agricultural activities, partially treated urban sewage, and forestry. Although the forest sector and municipal wastewater treatment facilities have demonstrated progress, fish farming and agricultural sectors remain reluctant to implement effective measures. Economic considerations, level of environmental literacy, and the strength of knowledge networks emerge as critical factors influencing stakeholder actions. Non-governmental environmental organisations prioritise issues other than water quality, limiting their engagement in this domain. Moreover, the dominant role of the Ministry of Agriculture in water management appears to hinder cross-sectorial coordination and progress towards achieving good raw water quality.