Guide on Health Assessment of Rivers and Lakes (Trial).

This Guide is developed to strengthen the management and protection of rivers and lakes, scientifically evaluate the health status thereof , and guide the implementation of the tasks of river governor system and lake governor system. The Guidelines are applicable to the health assessment of rivers and lakes (excluding estuaries) in the People's Republic of China.
Based on the concept of river and lake health, the Guide establishes the index system and assessment method of river and lake health evaluation from aspects of ecosystem structure integrity, ecosystem anti disturbance elasticity and social service function sustainability. The assessment of the health status of rivers and lakes shall be helpful to quickly identify problems, timely analyze the causes, help the public understand the real health status of rivers and lakes, and provide reference for river and lake governors at all levels and relevant competent authorities to fulfill the responsibility of river and lake management and protection.