ISO 15839:2003

Overview

ISO 15839:2003 - "Water quality - On-line sensors/analysing equipment for water - Specifications and performance tests" provides a standardized framework for evaluating the performance of continuous or periodic automatic water quality sensors and analysers. The standard defines what constitutes an on-line sensor/analysing equipment for water, establishes clear terminology for performance characteristics, and specifies laboratory and field test procedures to evaluate those characteristics. It recognizes that some tests may not be applicable to all sensor types but sets consistent methods where testing is feasible.

Key topics and technical requirements

ISO 15839 focuses on measurable performance attributes and how to test them. Core topics include:

• Definitions and terminology for on-line sensors and measurement chains (e.g., determinand, measurement chain, calibration solution).
• Performance characteristics such as accuracy, precision, bias, repeatability, selectivity, ruggedness, availability/up-time, and stated/working range.
• Dynamic behavior metrics: response time, delay time, rise/fall time, short- and long-term drift, and memory effect.
• Detection metrics: limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ) and lowest detectable change (LDC).
• Test procedures for both controlled laboratory testing and real-world field testing, including guidance on sampling, calibration, and statistical evaluation.
• Supporting test infrastructure details through informative annexes: manufacturer information, measurement chain configurations, recommended test bench facilities, scheduling of tests and example test reports.

The standard references established statistical and quality-control standards (e.g., ISO 5725-1, ISO 8466-1, ISO/TR 13530) to ensure rigorous calibration and evaluation practices.

Applications and users

ISO 15839 is practical for anyone involved in development, certification, procurement or deployment of on-line water quality monitoring systems:

• Sensor and analyser manufacturers - design validation, product specifications, and performance claims.
• Independent test laboratories - standardized test methods for certification and comparison.
• Water utilities and wastewater plants - procurement specifications and acceptance testing of continuous monitoring equipment.
• Environmental agencies and regulators - establishing compliance testing protocols and evaluating monitoring networks.
• Research and R&D groups - benchmarking new sensor technologies under controlled and field conditions.

Using ISO 15839 supports reliable sensor selection, consistent performance documentation, and improved comparability across products and field deployments.

Related standards

• ISO 5725-1 - Accuracy (trueness and precision) of measurement methods and results
• ISO 8466-1 - Calibration and evaluation of analytical methods
• ISO/TR 13530 - Guide to analytical quality control for water analysis
• ISO 6879 - Performance concepts for air quality measuring methods (related terminology)

Keywords: ISO 15839, water quality, on-line sensors, analysing equipment, performance testing, response time, calibration, field testing, laboratory testing, sensor performance.