Water Framework Directive - Context and Objectives

The context for the protection of water resources is provided by the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EEC) which was transposed into domestic legislation by the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003. The Directive sets a framework for comprehensive management of water resources in the European Community, within a common approach and with common objectives, principles and basic measures. It addresses inland surface waters, estuarine and coastal waters and groundwater. The fundamental objective of the Directive is to maintain the "high status" of waters where it exists, prevent any deterioration in the existing status of waters and achieve at least "good status" in relation to all waters by 2015.