The Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC) is the most important new European water legislation for over 20 years.
The Water Framework Directive applies to all surface freshwater bodies (including lakes, streams and rivers), groundwaters, groundwater dependant ecosystems, estuaries and coastal waters out to one mile from low-water. It came into force in 2000, and was transposed into UK law in 2003.
Currently there is a wide range of European legislation covering many different aspects of water management. This is widely acknowledged as a patchy and inconsistent approach. The Water Framework Directive intends to resolve this by introducing a holistic approach to water management. It should make it simpler for everyone and result in greater protection for a vital part of the environment.
The Nitrate Directive (91/676/EEC) is designed to reduce water pollution to surface and groundwater. It requires member states to designate, as Nitrate Vulnerable Zones, surface or underground waters that are or could be high in nitrate from agricultural sources. Within these zones farmers must observe an action programme of measures restricting the timing and application of fertilisers and manures and must keep accurate records.
The Directive (80/778/EEC replaced by Directive 98/83/EC in 2003) is intended to protect human health by laying down healthiness and purity requirements, which must be met by drinking water within the Community. It applies to all water intended for human consumption apart from natural mineral waters and waters which are medicinal products. Member States must ensure that such drinking water:
• Does not contain any concentration of micro-organisms, parasites or any other substance that constitutes a potential human health risk.
• Meets the minimum requirements (microbiological and chemical parameters and those relating to radioactivity) laid down by the Directive.
The Directive requires Member States to regularly monitor and report on the quality of water intended for human consumption by using the methods of analysis specified in the Directive, or equivalent methods.
This Directive (91/271/EEC and amendment 98/15/EC) concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban wastewater and the treatment and discharge of wastewater from certain industrial sectors. Its aim is to protect the environment from any adverse effects due to discharge of such waters. The Directive establishes a timetable, which Member States must adhere to, for the provision of collecting and treatment systems for urban waste water in agglomerations that meet the criteria laid down in the Directive.
Annex II requires Member States to draw up lists of sensitive and less sensitive areas which receive the treated waters. These lists must be updated regularly. The treatment of urban water is to be varied according to the sensitivity of the receiving waters.
Member States are responsible for monitoring both discharges from treatment plants and the receiving waters. They must ensure that the competent national authorities publish a situation report every two years.
The Directive requires member states to designate sites based on species and habitats in the Directive’s annexes, and existing designations from the Birds Directive. Once agreed by the European Commission, these sites become part of a European network, Natura 2000.
Member States must take measures to maintain in ‘a favourable condition’, the habitats and species for which the sites have been selected, or, where necessary, take action to restore them. Natura 2000 sites are Special Protection Areas (SPAs), classified under the Birds Directive, or Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), designated under the Habitats Directive.
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