The European Water Framework Directive became part of UK law in 2003. It is an ecology-led directive providing framework for community action in water policy. Its aim is for all our rivers to be at good ecological status. Rivers are classified on key aspects of biology, chemical quality, quantity and physical structures. Most of the Island’s rivers are classified as ‘Moderate’ which means they require improvement.
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) was transposed in UK legislation and became retained domestic law at the end of the transition period. Therefore our obligation for reviewing and updating the river basin management plans in England is set out in our domestic law.
To find out more about the Water Framework Directive visit
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html