Abstract
The subject of the study is the processes of assessing indirect anthropogenic loads in the catchment area of river basins by applying a point scale of desirability using the method of constructing a generalized indicator. The purpose of the article is to develop a methodological approach to assessing indirect anthropogenic loads in the catchment area of river basins based on the generalized Harrington desirability function. The objective of the article is to analyze existing approaches to assessing indirect anthropogenic loads in the catchment area of river basins, methodological aspects of using the generalized desirability index and justification for using the generalized Harrington function. The developed method for assessing indirect anthropogenic loads on the territory of the catchment area of river basins makes it possible to avoid an additive integral assessment indicator and can be used to solve many problems, and is also applicable for territorial organization and management of water use.