Water Framework Directive
The Water Framework Directive is European legislation which promotes water management through river basin planning. The Water Framework Directive (WFD) introduces a holistic approach to the management of water quality and establishes a system for the protection and improvement of all water bodies, including rivers, estuaries, groundwater, lakes and coastal waters. The Directive is the foundation for changes that will take place in the management of the water environment in Wales.
The Directive requires all inland and coastal waters to reach at least “good status” by 2015. The Directive encourages greater public engagement and participation in developing the future management of our water environment.
RIVER BASIN MANAGEMENT PLANNING
In Wales there are three River Basin Districts. One of these, the Western Wales River Basin District, is contained and managed wholly in Wales. The other two are cross-border with England: the Severn River Basin District and the Dee River Basin District. The Environment Agency leads on the development of the Severn River Basin Management Plan, whilst Natural Resources Wales leads on the development of the Dee River Basin Management Plan.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Welsh Government published two documents relating to the updating of River Basin Management Plans (external link) in May 2014:
- Updated statutory ministerial guidance to the Environment Agency (EA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW)
- Summary and analysis of consultation responses to the ‘Draft River Basin Planning Guidance’.
MORE INFORMATION
More information on how Natural Resources Wales plans to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive visit their website.