Groundwater

Groundwater is a limited natural resource with both ecological and economic value. It has vital importance for the sustenance of life, health agriculture and the integrity of ecosystems, requiring management and protection on a sustainable basis.

In 1980 the European Commission introduced a Groundwater Directive (80/68/EEC), which was largely aimed at the protection of groundwater against pollution caused by specific dangerous substances.

The current Groundwater Regulations (NI) 1998 implement the Groundwater Directive, and supplement existing water pollution legislation. These Regulations, along with the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, require the Department of the Environment (DOE) to prevent the direct or indirect discharge of list I substances to groundwater and to control pollution resulting from the direct or indirect discharge of list II substances.

On 12th December 2006 a new Directive was adopted by the European Commission known as the Groundwater Daughter Directive (2006/118/EC).  It is a 'daughter' Directive of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and its purpose is to clarify certain objectives for groundwater quality in the WFD.  The new Directive will operate alongside the 1980 Groundwater Directive until 2013 when the 1980 Directive will be repealed. The new Directive includes criteria for the assessment of good chemical status and for identifying and reversing upward trends in pollution.  It also details measures to prevent or limit pollutants into groundwater.  Member states have until 16 January 2009 to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to transpose the new Directive.

In Northern Ireland, the Environmental and Heritage Service (an Executive Agency of the DOE) is responsible for implementing the Groundwater Regulations.

The European Commission is currently considering additional legislation to further protect groundwater against pollution and deterioration.