Directive 2000/60/EC, known as the Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a comprehensive, integrated framework for the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of all forms of inland, transitional, coastal, and groundwater bodies across the EU.

Purpose

Achieve “good status”, both chemical and ecological – for all water bodies by 2015.
Prevent further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems.
Restore and protect rivers, lakes, groundwater, and wetlands.
Promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of available water resources

Scope & Applicability

Water Bodies Covered:
Applies to all inland surface waters, transitional and coastal waters within one nautical mile from shore, and groundwater.

Geographical Unit:
Introduces river basin management, requiring analysis and management per river basin district – including cross-border basins – to ensure ecosystem integrity.

Core Requirements

1/ Water Body Inventory & Status Assessment
Identify all water bodies, assess baseline conditions, and set reference states for evaluating quality.

2/ River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs)

Develop RBMPs every six years, with public consultation.
Includes Programmes of Measures to achieve or maintain good status.

3/ Monitoring & Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)

Regular monitoring of water bodies, including priority substances and pollutants of national/local concern.
EQS set for chemical status under the Environmental Quality Standards Directive, updated periodically.

4/ Programmes of Measures

Encompasses both basic (e.g., good agricultural practices, wastewater controls) and supplementary (e.g., targeted investments) measures.

5/ Economic Analysis & Cost Recovery

Mandates economic evaluation of water use.
Promotes the polluter pays and full cost recovery principles for water services.

6/ Public Participation & Reporting

Requires public consultation on RBMPs.
Member States must report implementation and progress every six years; the Commission releases implementation reports (e.g., 7th report, 2024)

Who is Obliged

National & Regional Authorities

Designate river basin districts.
Set up competent bodies for management and enforcement.
Conduct monitoring, assessments, and cost recovery measures.
Develop and execute RBMPs and public engagement.

Cross-border Coordination

Neighboring Member States sharing basins must collaborate on RBMPs for coherent management.

Economic Sectors & Water Users

Required to provide data needed for assessments.
Subject to water pricing policies and cost-recovery contributions.

General Public & Stakeholders

Encouraged to participate in consultations and implementation processes.

Summary for Sustainability Professionals & Companies

The WFD mandates ecosystem-based river basin management ensuring both chemical and ecological water quality.
The Directive integrates environmental, economic, and public participation elements, aligning with sustainable development and ESG goals.
Companies must monitor compliance with water use charges, pollutant limits, and participate in consultation and planning processes via RBMPs.
Regular updates and reviews ensure the Directive remains scientifically relevant and market-responsive.

🔗 EC, EP, ECHA, EEA

Water Recycling Systems