Water is identified as being class I, II, or III based on the analysis of 57 of its physio-chemical and biological characteristics. If water is deemed to be worse than class III water, it is considered "non-classified".
The above system of water classification is useful for running waters. However, when attempting to classify waters which stand still (i.e., lakes) this classification system was found to be problematic. In response to these discrepancies, in 1983 the Institute of Environmental Management proposed a separate classification system for lakes, as well as a system which assesses lake vulnerability to degradation. Both of these classification systems consider the special ecological properties of lakes. In Poland, the assessment of surface waters is carried out by the State Environmental Inspectorate.
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