Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) introduces a new holistic approach to the management of water quality, and establishes a new system for the protection and improvement of all aspects of the water environment including rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters and groundwater.

Use the WFD Index for more information, or go to the What's New page to see the latest updates on WFD.

Introduction to the Water Framework Directive

The Directive requires all inland and coastal waters to reach at least “good status” by 2015. Achieving this ambitious target will require management planning at river basin level, linking with other key policy areas such as agriculture, land use, biodiversity, tourism, recreation and flood protection. Requirements for public participation at key stages will lead to greater public involvement in determining the future management of our water environment.

The Department of Environment is responsible for co-ordinating the implementation of the WFD in Northern Ireland, and is working closely with other Departments, agencies and non-government bodies to achieve the targets for 2015.

There are key stages along the way to full implementation, with specific requirements to be met by set deadlines. These include the development of monitoring programmes, further characterisation of water bodies and the development of programmes of measures, which will be summarised in river basin management plans.

The full text of the Directive can be found on the Europa website