This study illustrates the benefits of statistical techniques to analyze spatial and temporal variations in water quality. In this scope water quality differentiation caused by anthropogenic and natural factors in the Tahtali and Balçova reservoirs in western Turkey was investigated using discriminant analysis-DA, Mann Whitney U techniques. Effectiveness of pollution prevention measures was analyzed by Mann Kendall and Sen’s Slope estimator methods. The water quality variables were divided into three groups as physical-inorganic, organic and inorganic pollution parameters for the study. Results showed that water quality between reservoirs was differentiated for “physical-inorganic” and “organic pollution” parameters. Degree of influence of water quality by urbanization was higher in the Tahtali reservoir and in general, no trend detection at pollution indicators explained by effective management practices at both sites.

The aim of the statistical analyses carried out was to identify similarities and to point out differences between the various tributaries of the Narew River, to identify the factors and processes responsible for the transformations occurring in the aquatic environment and finally, to identify the main sources of pollution in the river catchment. For the purposes of statistical analysis, the results of studies conducted as part of diagnostic monitoring by the General Inspectorate for Environmental Protection in 2017–2018 were used. The studies included 8 measurement points located directly on the Narew River and 17 points located on its selected left and right tributaries. Analysis of the collected results indicates that the chemical condition of the water in the Narew catchment is assessed as being poor. This observation may be due to the fact that the Narew catchment is mainly used for agricultural purposes and, in addition, there is a relatively large number of potential anthropogenic sources. As part of the analysis, two potential sources of pollution affecting water quality in the Narew catchment were identified, which include surface run-off and treated wastewater inflow.