This paper presents the development and implementation of a monitoring procedure on the Palic-Ludas lake system in the north of the Republic of Serbia. After evaluating the system's current monitoring approach, additional measurements were conducted for both hydraulic and water quality parameters. The considered area is a complex system that incorporates lakes, hydraulic structures, and a channel, with a waste water treatment plant on its upstream, and a nature protection area on its downstream end, making its monitoring and management an interesting challenge. The available data was used to analyze both spacial and temporal changes of water quality parameters throughout the area. Conclusions were made regarding the onset of anoxia and the possible release of nutrients from sediment in some parts of the lake system. Using the available data and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) method, it was determined that the current status of the lakes is between poor and marginal. This result certainly adds to the importance of enhancing the current monitoring approach. Consequently, the authors proposed the implementation of a monitoring system, so that the gathered information would be useful for decision makers. The CCME WQI method proved to be a beneficial way to describe and monitor the overall state of this complex lake system; therefore, future data gathering activity should be conceived in a way to facilitate this method of computing the water quality index.
Keywords: CCME WQI; Lake management; Monitoring system of lakes; Water levels; Water quality.