Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)
The Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) is a law which aims to protect and improve the quality of all waters throughout the European Union.
The key objectives of the Directive are to:
- protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems
- promote sustainable use of water
- provide for sufficient supply of good quality water
- provide enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment
- contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts
- protect territorial and marine waters
- establish a register of ‘protected areas’
European Communities (Water Policy) Regulations 2003