Costs and benefits of automated high-frequency environmental monitoring – The case of lake water management

Freshwater lakes are dynamic ecosystems and provide multiple ecosystem services to humans. Sudden changes in lake environmental conditions such as cyanobacterial blooms can negatively impact usage. Automated high-frequency monitoring (AHFM) systems allow the detection of short-lived extreme unpredictable events enable managers take mitigation actions earlier than if basing decisions on conventional programmes. In this study a cost-benefit approach was used compare costs implementing running an AHFM system with its potential benefits for three case lakes. It shown that help avoid human health impacts, lost recreation opportunities, revenue losses livestock, aquaculture agriculture well reputational damages drinking water treatment. Our results showed largest be expected prevention impacts damages. The AHFM, however, do not always outweigh installation operation costs. While Lake Kinneret (Israel) over 10-year period, depreciated total higher costs, is Lough Gara (Ireland). For Mälaren Sweden it would depend configuration system, how calculated. general, frequency severity associated detrimental consequences humans number users, more likely application financially viable. • actions. have high maintenance especially Northern avoided effects viable numbers users severe impacts.