Water Framework Directive
Latest news
- October 2008: Water Framework Directive - classification of water bodies
- May 2008: Consultation on transposition of the new Groundwater Directive
- February 2008: A second consultation on guidance to the Environment Agency, in relation to river basin planning in England and Wales is launched
- February 2008: River basin management planning
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the most substantial piece of EC water legislation to date and is designed to improve and integrate the way water bodies are managed throughout Europe. In the UK, much of the implementation work will be undertaken by competent authorities. It came into force on 22 December 2000, and was put into UK law (transposed) in 2003. Member States must aim to reach good chemical and ecological status in inland and coastal waters by 2015.
- Implementation timetable (PDF 10 KB)
- EU Water Framework Directive (on Europa website) 2000/60/EC
It is designed to:
- enhance the status and prevent further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and associated wetlands, which depend on the aquatic ecosystems
- promote the sustainable use of water
- reduce pollution of water, especially by ‘priority’ and ‘priority hazardous’ substances (see Daughter Directives)
- ensure progressive reduction of groundwater pollution
Contacts
See also
- England and Wales: Environment Agency
- Northern Ireland: Environment and Heritage Service
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- United Kingdom Technical Advisory Group (UKTAG) - supporting the implementation of the Water Framework Directive. It is a partnership of the UK environment and conservation agencies and will help deliver a consistent approach to the Directive's implementation
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Page last modified: 22 October 2008
Page published: 23 March 2001