Content on this page requires a newer version of Adobe Flash Player.

Get Adobe Flash player
 

  • Nederlands
  • Deutsch
Search in the Encyclopedia

Dieren en planten

Water en land

Mens en Milieu

Policy   Water Framework Directive   

European Water Framework Directive (EWFD)

The European Water Framework Directive went into effect in 2000. This directive requires that by 2015, member states regulate management of groundwater and surface water in such a way that all bodies of water satisfy the strict ecological quality criteria. In addition, water usage must be sustainable and water systems designed in such a way that the risks of flooding and droughts are brought to a minimum.

  • Consequences for Dutch water management

    For the Netherlands, the enforcement of the EWFD means the adaptation of several laws, such as the Water Management Act and the Environmental Management Act. Formulating management plans for catchment basins can be combined with existing operating procedures for governmental water management bills. The plans should be geared to Belgian and German plans.
    In the framework of the EWFD, all bodies of water must be assigned a status. Each status has specific standards for the quality of the water. In the case of the Wadden Sea, the ministry has a preference to give it a 'natural water' status, however the business world wants the less regimented status of 'strongly changing water'.