Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a pioneering piece of European Union legislation that establishes a comprehensive framework for managing and protecting water resources across Europe. Adopted in 2000, the WFD aims to achieve good ecological and chemical status for all surface waters and good chemical and quantitative status for groundwater by specific deadlines.¹

Key features of the Water Framework Directive include:

• Integrated river basin management: The WFD requires member states to manage water resources on a river basin scale, transcending administrative and political boundaries.²
• Ecological focus: Unlike previous water legislation, the WFD places strong emphasis on the ecological health of water bodies, not just chemical quality.³
• Public participation: The directive mandates active involvement of stakeholders and the public in water management decisions.⁴
• Economic analysis: It introduces the principle of cost recovery for water services, including environmental and resource costs.⁵
• Combined approach: The WFD employs both emission limit values and quality standards to address pollution.⁶

The implementation of the Water Framework Directive has led to significant improvements in water quality across Europe. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing diffuse pollution from agriculture and adapting to climate change impacts on water resources.⁷

For property consultants, understanding the WFD is crucial when advising on developments near water bodies or in areas with potential impacts on water quality. Compliance with WFD objectives may influence planning decisions and require specific mitigation measures in development projects.

1. European Commission, 2000. Directive 2000/60/EC.
2. Voulvoulis et al., 2017. Science of The Total Environment.
3. Hering et al., 2010. Science of The Total Environment.
4. Jager et al., 2016. Water.
5. Gómez-Limón and Martin-Ortega, 2013. Water Resources Management.
6. Kallis and Butler, 2001. European Planning Studies.
7. European Environment Agency, 2018. European waters – assessment of status and pressures 2018.