1.SURFACE WATER STATUSU.K.
1.1.Quality elements for the classification of ecological statusU.K.
1.1.1.RiversU.K.
Biological elementsU.K.
Composition and abundance of aquatic flora
Composition and abundance of benthic invertebrate fauna
Composition, abundance and age structure of fish fauna
Hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
Hydrological regime
quantity and dynamics of water flow
connection to groundwater bodies
River continuity
Morphological conditions
river depth and width variation
structure and substrate of the river bed
structure of the riparian zone
Chemical and physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
General
Thermal conditions
Oxygenation conditions
Salinity
Acidification status
Nutrient conditions
Specific pollutants
Pollution by all priority substances identified as being discharged into the body of water
Pollution by other substances identified as being discharged in significant quantities into the body of water
1.1.2.LakesU.K.
Biological elementsU.K.
Composition, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton
Composition and abundance of other aquatic flora
Composition and abundance of benthic invertebrate fauna
Composition, abundance and age structure of fish fauna
Hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
Hydrological regime
quantity and dynamics of water flow
residence time
connection to the groundwater body
Morphological conditions
lake depth variation
quantity, structure and substrate of the lake bed
structure of the lake shore
Chemical and physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
General
Transparency
Thermal conditions
Oxygenation conditions
Salinity
Acidification status
Nutrient conditions
Specific pollutants
Pollution by all priority substances identified as being discharged into the body of water
Pollution by other substances identified as being discharged in significant quantities into the body of water
1.1.3.Transitional watersU.K.
Biological elementsU.K.
Composition, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton
Composition and abundance of other aquatic flora
Composition and abundance of benthic invertebrate fauna
Composition and abundance of fish fauna
Hydro-morphological elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
Morphological conditions
depth variation
quantity, structure and substrate of the bed
structure of the intertidal zone
Tidal regime
freshwater flow
wave exposure
Chemical and physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
General
Transparency
Thermal conditions
Oxygenation conditions
Salinity
Nutrient conditions
Specific pollutants
Pollution by all priority substances identified as being discharged into the body of water
Pollution by other substances identified as being discharged in significant quantities into the body of water
1.1.4.Coastal watersU.K.
Biological elementsU.K.
Composition, abundance and biomass of phytoplankton
Composition and abundance of other aquatic flora
Composition and abundance of benthic invertebrate fauna
Hydromorphological elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
Morphological conditions
depth variation
structure and substrate of the coastal bed
structure of the intertidal zone
Tidal regime
direction of dominant currents
wave exposure
Chemical and physico-chemical elements supporting the biological elementsU.K.
General
Transparency
Thermal conditions
Oxygenation conditions
Salinity
Nutrient conditions
Specific pollutants
Pollution by all priority substances identified as being discharged into the body of water
Pollution by other substances identified as being discharged in significant quantities into the body of water
1.1.5.Artificial and heavily modified surface water bodiesU.K.
The quality elements applicable to artificial and heavily modified surface water bodies shall be those applicable to whichever of the four natural surface water categories above most closely resembles the heavily modified or artificial water body concerned.
1.2.Normative definitions of ecological status classificationsU.K.
Table 1.2.General definition for rivers, lakes, transitional waters and coastal watersU.K.
| The following text provides a general definition of ecological quality. For the purposes of classification the values for the quality elements of ecological status for each surface water category are those given in tables 1.2.1 to 1.2.4 below. | |||
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | There are no, or only very minor, anthropogenic alterations to the values of the physico-chemical and hydromorphological quality elements for the surface water body type from those normally associated with that type under undisturbed conditions. The values of the biological quality elements for the surface water body reflect those normally associated with that type under undisturbed conditions, and show no, or only very minor, evidence of distortion. These are the type-specific conditions and communities. | The values of the biological quality elements for the surface water body type show low levels of distortion resulting from human activity, but deviate only slightly from those normally associated with the surface water body type under undisturbed conditions. | The values of the biological quality elements for the surface water body type deviate moderately from those normally associated with the surface water body type under undisturbed conditions. The values show moderate signs of distortion resulting from human activity and are significantly more disturbed than under conditions of good status. |
Waters achieving a status below moderate shall be classified as poor or bad.
Waters showing evidence of major alterations to the values of the biological quality elements for the surface water body type and in which the relevant biological communities deviate substantially from those normally associated with the surface water body type under undisturbed conditions, shall be classified as poor.
Waters showing evidence of severe alterations to the values of the biological quality elements for the surface water body type and in which large portions of the relevant biological communities normally associated with the surface water body type under undisturbed conditions are absent, shall be classified as bad.
1.2.1.Definitions for high, good and moderate ecological status in riversU.K.
Biological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytoplankton | The taxonomic composition of phytoplankton corresponds totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. The average phytoplankton abundance is wholly consistent with the type-specific physico-chemical conditions and is not such as to significantly alter the type-specific transparency conditions. Planktonic blooms occur at a frequency and intensity which is consistent with the type-specific physico-chemical conditions. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of planktonic taxa compared to the type-specific communities. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of algae resulting in undesirable disturbances to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the physico-chemical quality of the water or sediment. A slight increase in the frequency and intensity of the type-specific planktonic blooms may occur. | The composition of planktonic taxa differs moderately from the type-specific communities. Abundance is moderately disturbed and may be such as to produce a significant undesirable disturbance in the values of other biological and physico-chemical quality elements. A moderate increase in the frequency and intensity of planktonic blooms may occur. Persistent blooms may occur during summer months. |
| Macrophytes and phytobenthos | The taxonomic composition corresponds totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. There are no detectable changes in the average macrophytic and the average phytobenthic abundance. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of macrophytic and phytobenthic taxa compared to the type-specific communities. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of phytobenthos or higher forms of plant life resulting in undesirable disturbances to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the physico-chemical quality of the water or sediment. The phytobenthic community is not adversely affected by bacterial tufts and coats present due to anthropogenic activity. | The composition of macrophytic and phytobenthic taxa differs moderately from the type-specific community and is significantly more distorted than at good status. Moderate changes in the average macrophytic and the average phytobenthic abundance are evident. The phytobenthic community may be interfered with and, in some areas, displaced by bacterial tufts and coats present as a result of anthropogenic activities. |
| Benthic invertebrate fauna | The taxonomic composition and abundance correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. The ratio of disturbance sensitive taxa to insensitive taxa shows no signs of alteration from undisturbed levels. The level of diversity of invertebrate taxa shows no sign of alteration from undisturbed levels. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of invertebrate taxa from the type-specific communities. The ratio of disturbance-sensitive taxa to insensitive taxa shows slight alteration from type-specific levels. The level of diversity of invertebrate taxa shows slight signs of alteration from type-specific levels. | The composition and abundance of invertebrate taxa differ moderately from the type-specific communities. Major taxonomic groups of the type-specific community are absent. The ratio of disturbance-sensitive taxa to insensitive taxa, and the level of diversity, are substantially lower than the type-specific level and significantly lower than for good status. |
| Fish fauna | Species composition and abundance correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. All the type-specific disturbance-sensitive species are present. The age structures of the fish communities show little sign of anthropogenic disturbance and are not indicative of a failure in the reproduction or development of any particular species. | There are slight changes in species composition and abundance from the type-specific communities attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical and hydromorphological quality elements. The age structures of the fish communities show signs of disturbance attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements, and, in a few instances, are indicative of a failure in the reproduction or development of a particular species, to the extent that some age classes may be missing. | The composition and abundance of fish species differ moderately from the type-specific communities attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements. The age structure of the fish communities shows major signs of anthropogenic disturbance, to the extent that a moderate proportion of the type specific species are absent or of very low abundance. |
Hydromorphological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrological regime | The quantity and dynamics of flow, and the resultant connection to groundwaters, reflect totally, or nearly totally, undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| River continuity | The continuity of the river is not disturbed by anthropogenic activities and allows undisturbed migration of aquatic organisms and sediment transport. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Morphological conditions | Channel patterns, width and depth variations, flow velocities, substrate conditions and both the structure and condition of the riparian zones correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
Physico-chemical quality elementsa
| a The following abbreviations are used: bgl = background level, EQS = environmental quality standard. | |||
| b Application of the standards derived under this protocol shall not require reduction of pollutant concentrations below background levels: (EQS >bgl). | |||
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General conditions | The values of the physico-chemical elements correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. Nutrient concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. Levels of salinity, pH, oxygen balance, acid neutralising capacity and temperature do not show signs of anthropogenic disturbance and remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. | Temperature, oxygen balance, pH, acid neutralising capacity and salinity do not reach levels outside the range established so as to ensure the functioning of the type specific ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. Nutrient concentrations do not exceed the levels established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific synthetic pollutants | Concentrations close to zero and at least below the limits of detection of the most advanced analytical techniques in general use. | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific non-synthetic pollutants | Concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions (background levels = bgl). | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6b without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
1.2.2.Definitions for high, good and moderate ecological status in lakesU.K.
Biological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytoplankton | The taxonomic composition and abundance of phytoplankton correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. The average phytoplankton biomass is consistent with the type-specific physico-chemical conditions and is not such as to significantly alter the type-specific transparency conditions. Planktonic blooms occur at a frequency and intensity which is consistent with the type specific physico-chemical conditions. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of planktonic taxa compared to the type-specific communities. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of algae resulting in undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the physico-chemical quality of the water or sediment. A slight increase in the frequency and intensity of the type specific planktonic blooms may occur. | The composition and abundance of planktonic taxa differ moderately from the type-specific communities. Biomass is moderately disturbed and may be such as to produce a significant undesirable disturbance in the condition of other biological quality elements and the physico-chemical quality of the water or sediment. A moderate increase in the frequency and intensity of planktonic blooms may occur. Persistent blooms may occur during summer months. |
| Macrophytes and phytobenthos | The taxonomic composition corresponds totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. There are no detectable changes in the average macrophytic and the average phytobenthic abundance. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of macrophytic and phytobenthic taxa compared to the type-specific communities. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of phytobenthos or higher forms of plant life resulting in undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the physico-chemical quality of the water. The phytobenthic community is not adversely affected by bacterial tufts and coats present due to anthropogenic activity. | The composition of macrophytic and phytobenthic taxa differ moderately from the type-specific communities and are significantly more distorted than those observed at good quality. Moderate changes in the average macrophytic and the average phytobenthic abundance are evident. The phytobenthic community may be interfered with, and, in some areas, displaced by bacterial tufts and coats present as a result of anthropogenic activities. |
| Benthic invertebrate fauna | The taxonomic composition and abundance correspond totally or nearly totally to the undisturbed conditions. The ratio of disturbance sensitive taxa to insensitive taxa shows no signs of alteration from undisturbed levels. The level of diversity of invertebrate taxa shows no sign of alteration from undisturbed levels. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of invertebrate taxa compared to the type-specific communities. The ratio of disturbance sensitive taxa to insensitive taxa shows slight signs of alteration from type-specific levels. The level of diversity of invertebrate taxa shows slight signs of alteration from type-specific levels. | The composition and abundance of invertebrate taxa differ moderately from the type-specific conditions. Major taxonomic groups of the type-specific community are absent. The ratio of disturbance sensitive to insensitive taxa, and the level of diversity, are substantially lower than the type-specific level and significantly lower than for good status. |
| Fish fauna | Species composition and abundance correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. All the type-specific sensitive species are present. The age structures of the fish communities show little sign of anthropogenic disturbance and are not indicative of a failure in the reproduction or development of a particular species. | There are slight changes in species composition and abundance from the type-specific communities attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements. The age structures of the fish communities show signs of disturbance attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements, and, in a few instances, are indicative of a failure in the reproduction or development of a particular species, to the extent that some age classes may be missing. | The composition and abundance of fish species differ moderately from the type-specific communities attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements. The age structure of the fish communities shows major signs of disturbance, attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements, to the extent that a moderate proportion of the type specific species are absent or of very low abundance. |
Hydromorphological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrological regime | The quantity and dynamics of flow, level, residence time, and the resultant connection to groundwaters, reflect totally or nearly totally undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Morphological conditions | Lake depth variation, quantity and structure of the substrate, and both the structure and condition of the lake shore zone correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
Physico-chemical quality elementsa
| a The following abbreviations are used: bgl = background level, EQS = environmental quality standard. | |||
| b Application of the standards derived under this protocol shall not require reduction of pollutant concentrations below background levels: (EQS >bgl). | |||
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General conditions | The values of physico-chemical elements correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. Nutrient concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. Levels of salinity, pH, oxygen balance, acid neutralising capacity, transparency and temperature do not show signs of anthropogenic disturbance and remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. | Temperature, oxygen balance, pH, acid neutralising capacity, transparency and salinity do not reach levels outside the range established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. Nutrient concentrations do not exceed the levels established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific synthetic pollutants | Concentrations close to zero and at least below the limits of detection of the most advanced analytical techniques in general use. | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific non-synthetic pollutants | Concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions (background levels = bgl). | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6b without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
1.2.3.Definitions for high, good and moderate ecological status in transitional watersU.K.
Biological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytoplankton | The composition and abundance of the phytoplanktonic taxa are consistent with undisturbed conditions. The average phytoplankton biomass is consistent with the type-specific physico-chemical conditions and is not such as to significantly alter the type-specific transparency conditions. Planktonic blooms occur at a frequency and intensity which is consistent with the type specific physico-chemical conditions. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of phytoplanktonic taxa. There are slight changes in biomass compared to the type-specific conditions. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of algae resulting in undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the physico-chemical quality of the water. A slight increase in the frequency and intensity of the type specific planktonic blooms may occur. | The composition and abundance of phytoplanktonic taxa differ moderately from type-specific conditions. Biomass is moderately disturbed and may be such as to produce a significant undesirable disturbance in the condition of other biological quality elements. A moderate increase in the frequency and intensity of planktonic blooms may occur. Persistent blooms may occur during summer months. |
| Macroalgae | The composition of macroalgal taxa is consistent with undisturbed conditions. There are no detectable changes in macroalgal cover due to anthropogenic activities. | There are slight changes in the composition and abundance of macroalgal taxa compared to the type-specific communities. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of phytobenthos or higher forms of plant life resulting in undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the physico-chemical quality of the water. | The composition of macroalgal taxa differs moderately from type-specific conditions and is significantly more distorted than at good quality. Moderate changes in the average macroalgal abundance are evident and may be such as to result in an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body. |
| Angiosperms | The taxonomic composition corresponds totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. There are no detectable changes in angiosperm abundance due to anthropogenic activities. | There are slight changes in the composition of angiosperm taxa compared to the type-specific communities. Angiosperm abundance shows slight signs of disturbance. | The composition of the angiosperm taxa differs moderately from the type-specific communities and is significantly more distorted than at good quality. There are moderate distortions in the abundance of angiosperm taxa. |
| Benthic invertebrate fauna | The level of diversity and abundance of invertebrate taxa is within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. All the disturbance-sensitive taxa associated with undisturbed conditions are present. | The level of diversity and abundance of invertebrate taxa is slightly outside the range associated with the type-specific conditions. Most of the sensitive taxa of the type-specific communities are present. | The level of diversity and abundance of invertebrate taxa is moderately outside the range associated with the type-specific conditions. Taxa indicative of pollution are present. Many of the sensitive taxa of the type-specific communities are absent. |
| Fish fauna | Species composition and abundance is consistent with undisturbed conditions. | The abundance of the disturbance-sensitive species shows slight signs of distortion from type-specific conditions attributable to anthropogenic impacts on physico-chemical or hydromorphological quality elements. | A moderate proportion of the type-specific disturbance-sensitive species are absent as a result of anthropogenic impacts on physicochemical or hydromorphological quality elements. |
Hydromorphological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal regime | The freshwater flow regime corresponds totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Morphological conditions | Depth variations, substrate conditions, and both the structure and condition of the intertidal zones correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
Physico-chemical quality elementsa
| a The following abbreviations are used: bgl = background level, EQS = environmental quality standard. | |||
| b Application of the standards derived under this protocol shall not require reduction of pollutant concentrations below background levels: (EQS >bgl). | |||
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General conditions | Physico-chemical elements correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. Nutrient concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. Temperature, oxygen balance and transparency do not show signs of anthropogenic disturbance and remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. | Temperature, oxygenation conditions and transparency do not reach levels outside the ranges established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. Nutrient concentrations do not exceed the levels established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific synthetic pollutants | Concentrations close to zero and at least below the limits of detection of the most advanced analytical techniques in general use. | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific non-synthetic pollutants | Concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions (background levels = bgl). | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6b without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
1.2.4.Definitions for high, good and moderate ecological status in coastal watersU.K.
Biological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phytoplankton | The composition and abundance of phytoplanktonic taxa are consistent with undisturbed conditions. The average phytoplankton biomass is consistent with the type-specific physico-chemical conditions and is not such as to significantly alter the type-specific transparency conditions. Planktonic blooms occur at a frequency and intensity which is consistent with the type specific physico-chemical conditions. | The composition and abundance of phytoplanktonic taxa show slight signs of disturbance. There are slight changes in biomass compared to type-specific conditions. Such changes do not indicate any accelerated growth of algae resulting in undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body or to the quality of the water. A slight increase in the frequency and intensity of the type-specific planktonic blooms may occur. | The composition and abundance of planktonic taxa show signs of moderate disturbance. Algal biomass is substantially outside the range associated with type-specific conditions, and is such as to impact upon other biological quality elements. A moderate increase in the frequency and intensity of planktonic blooms may occur. Persistent blooms may occur during summer months. |
| Macroalgae and angiosperms | All disturbance-sensitive macroalgal and angiosperm taxa associated with undisturbed conditions are present. The levels of macroalgal cover and angiosperm abundance are consistent with undisturbed conditions. | Most disturbance-sensitive macroalgal and angiosperm taxa associated with undisturbed conditions are present. The level of macroalgal cover and angiosperm abundance show slight signs of disturbance. | A moderate number of the disturbance-sensitive macroalgal and angiosperm taxa associated with undisturbed conditions are absent. Macroalgal cover and angiosperm abundance is moderately disturbed and may be such as to result in an undesirable disturbance to the balance of organisms present in the water body. |
| Benthic invertebrate fauna | The level of diversity and abundance of invertebrate taxa is within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. All the disturbance-sensitive taxa associated with undisturbed conditions are present. | The level of diversity and abundance of invertebrate taxa is slightly outside the range associated with the type-specific conditions. Most of the sensitive taxa of the type-specific communities are present. | The level of diversity and abundance of invertebrate taxa is moderately outside the range associated with the type-specific conditions. Taxa indicative of pollution are present. Many of the sensitive taxa of the type-specific communities are absent. |
Hydromorphological quality elements
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tidal regime | The freshwater flow regime and the direction and speed of dominant currents correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Morphological conditions | The depth variation, structure and substrate of the coastal bed, and both the structure and condition of the inter-tidal zones correspond totally or nearly totally to the undisturbed conditions. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
Physico-chemical quality elementsa
| a The following abbreviations are used: bgl = background level, EQS = environmental quality standard. | |||
| b Application of the standards derived under this protocol shall not require reduction of pollutant concentrations below background levels: (EQS >bgl). | |||
| Element | High status | Good status | Moderate status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General conditions | The physico-chemical elements correspond totally or nearly totally to undisturbed conditions. Nutrient concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions. Temperature, oxygen balance and transparency do not show signs of anthropogenic disturbance and remain within the ranges normally associated with undisturbed conditions. | Temperature, oxygenation conditions and transparency do not reach levels outside the ranges established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. Nutrient concentrations do not exceed the levels established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific synthetic pollutants | Concentrations close to zero and at least below the limits of detection of the most advanced analytical techniques in general use. | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific non-synthetic pollutants | Concentrations remain within the range normally associated with undisturbed conditions (background levels = bgl). | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6b without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
1.2.5.Definitions for maximum, good and moderate ecological potential for heavily modified or artificial water bodiesU.K.
| a Application of the standards derived under this protocol shall not require reduction of pollutant concentrations below background levels. | |||
| Element | Maximum ecological potential | Good ecological potential | Moderate ecological potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biological quality elements | The values of the relevant biological quality elements reflect, as far as possible, those associated with the closest comparable surface water body type, given the physical conditions which result from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics of the water body. | There are slight changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements as compared to the values found at maximum ecological potential. | There are moderate changes in the values of the relevant biological quality elements as compared to the values found at maximum ecological potential. These values are significantly more distorted than those found under good quality. |
| Hydromorphological elements | The hydromorphological conditions are consistent with the only impacts on the surface water body being those resulting from the artificial or heavily modified characteristics of the water body once all mitigation measures have been taken to ensure the best approximation to ecological continuum, in particular with respect to migration of fauna and appropriate spawning and breeding grounds. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Physico-chemical elements | |||
| General conditions | Physico-chemical elements correspond totally or nearly totally to the undisturbed conditions associated with the surface water body type most closely comparable to the artificial or heavily modified body concerned. Nutrient concentrations remain within the range normally associated with such undisturbed conditions. The levels of temperature, oxygen balance and pH are consistent with the those found in the most closely comparable surface water body types under undisturbed conditions. | The values for physico-chemical elements are within the ranges established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. Temperature and pH do not reach levels outside the ranges established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. Nutrient concentrations do not exceed the levels established so as to ensure the functioning of the ecosystem and the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific synthetic pollutants | Concentrations close to zero and at least below the limits of detection of the most advanced analytical techniques in general use. | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6 without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
| Specific non-synthetic pollutants | Concentrations remain within the range normally associated with the undisturbed conditions found in the surface water body type most closely comparable to the artificial or heavily modified body concerned (background levels = bgl). | Concentrations not in excess of the standards set in accordance with the procedure detailed in section 1.2.6a without prejudice to Directive 91/414/EC and Directive 98/8/EC. (<EQS) | Conditions consistent with the achievement of the values specified above for the biological quality elements. |
1.2.6.Procedure for the setting of chemical quality standards by Member StatesU.K.
In deriving environmental quality standards for pollutants listed in points 1 to 9 of Annex VIII for the protection of aquatic biota, Member States shall act in accordance with the following provisions. Standards may be set for water, sediment or biota.
Where possible, both acute and chronic data shall be obtained for the taxa set out below which are relevant for the water body type concerned as well as any other aquatic taxa for which data are available. The ‘base set’ of taxa are:
algae and/or macrophytes
daphnia or representative organisms for saline waters
fish.
Setting the environmental quality standardU.K.
The following procedure applies to the setting of a maximum annual average concentration:
Member States shall set appropriate safety factors in each case consistent with the nature and quality of the available data and the guidance given in section 3.3.1 of Part II of
‘Technical guidance document in support of Commission Directive 93/67/EEC on risk assessment for new notified substances and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 on risk assessment for existing substances’
and the safety factors set out in the table below:
| Safety factor | |
|---|---|
| At least one acute L(E)C50 from each of three trophic levels of the base set | 1 000 |
| One chronic NOEC (either fish or daphnia or a representative organism for saline waters) | 100 |
| Two chronic NOECs from species representing two trophic levels (fish and/or daphnia or a representative organism for saline waters and/or algae) | 50 |
| Chronic NOECs from at least three species (normally fish, daphnia or a representative organism for saline waters and algae) representing three trophic levels | 10 |
| Other cases, including field data or model ecosystems, which allow more precise safety factors to be calculated and applied | Case-by-case assessment |
where data on persistence and bioaccumulation are available, these shall be taken into account in deriving the final value of the environmental quality standard;
the standard thus derived should be compared with any evidence from field studies. Where anomalies appear, the derivation shall be reviewed to allow a more precise safety factor to be calculated;
the standard derived shall be subject to peer review and public consultation including to allow a more precise safety factor to be calculated.
1.3.Monitoring of ecological status and chemical status for surface watersU.K.
The surface water monitoring network shall be established in accordance with the requirements of Article 8. The monitoring network shall be designed so as to provide a coherent and comprehensive overview of ecological and chemical status within each river basin and shall permit classification of water bodies into five classes consistent with the normative definitions in section 1.2. Member States shall provide a map or maps showing the surface water monitoring network in the river basin management plan.
On the basis of the characterisation and impact assessment carried out in accordance with Article 5 and Annex II, Member States shall for each period to which a river basin management plan applies, establish a surveillance monitoring programme and an operational monitoring programme. Member States may also need in some cases to establish programmes of investigative monitoring.
Member States shall monitor parameters which are indicative of the status of each relevant quality element. In selecting parameters for biological quality elements Member States shall identify the appropriate taxonomic level required to achieve adequate confidence and precision in the classification of the quality elements. Estimates of the level of confidence and precision of the results provided by the monitoring programmes shall be given in the plan.
1.3.1.Design of surveillance monitoringU.K.
ObjectiveU.K.
Member States shall establish surveillance monitoring programmes to provide information for:
supplementing and validating the impact assessment procedure detailed in Annex II,
the efficient and effective design of future monitoring programmes,
the assessment of long-term changes in natural conditions, and
the assessment of long-term changes resulting from widespread anthropogenic activity.
The results of such monitoring shall be reviewed and used, in combination with the impact assessment procedure described in Annex II, to determine requirements for monitoring programmes in the current and subsequent river basin management plans.
Selection of monitoring pointsU.K.
Surveillance monitoring shall be carried out of sufficient surface water bodies to provide an assessment of the overall surface water status within each catchment or subcatchments within the river basin district. In selecting these bodies Member States shall ensure that, where appropriate, monitoring is carried out at points where:
the rate of water flow is significant within the river basin district as a whole; including points on large rivers where the catchment area is greater than 2 500 km2,
the volume of water present is significant within the river basin district, including large lakes and reservoirs,
significant bodies of water cross a Member State boundary,
sites are identified under the Information Exchange Decision 77/795/EEC, and
at such other sites as are required to estimate the pollutant load which is transferred across Member State boundaries, and which is transferred into the marine environment.
Selection of quality elementsU.K.
Surveillance monitoring shall be carried out for each monitoring site for a period of one year during the period covered by a river basin management plan for:
parameters indicative of all biological quality elements,
parameters indicative of all hydromorphological quality elements,
parameters indicative of all general physico-chemical quality elements,
priority list pollutants which are discharged into the river basin or sub-basin, and
other pollutants discharged in significant quantities in the river basin or sub-basin,
unless the previous surveillance monitoring exercise showed that the body concerned reached good status and there is no evidence from the review of impact of human activity in Annex II that the impacts on the body have changed. In these cases, surveillance monitoring shall be carried out once every three river basin management plans.
1.3.2.Design of operational monitoringU.K.
Operational monitoring shall be undertaken in order to:
establish the status of those bodies identified as being at risk of failing to meet their environmental objectives, and
assess any changes in the status of such bodies resulting from the programmes of measures.
The programme may be amended during the period of the river basin management plan in the light of information obtained as part of the requirements of Annex II or as part of this Annex, in particular to allow a reduction in frequency where an impact is found not to be significant or the relevant pressure is removed.
Selection of monitoring sitesU.K.
Operational monitoring shall be carried out for all those bodies of water which on the basis of either the impact assessment carried out in accordance with Annex II or surveillance monitoring are identified as being at risk of failing to meet their environmental objectives under Article 4 and for those bodies of water into which priority list substances are discharged. Monitoring points shall be selected for priority list substances as specified in the legislation laying down the relevant environmental quality standard. In all other cases, including for priority list substances where no specific guidance is given in such legislation, monitoring points shall be selected as follows:
for bodies at risk from significant point source pressures, sufficient monitoring points within each body in order to assess the magnitude and impact of the point source. Where a body is subject to a number of point source pressures monitoring points may be selected to assess the magnitude and impact of these pressures as a whole,
for bodies at risk from significant diffuse source pressures, sufficient monitoring points within a selection of the bodies in order to assess the magnitude and impact of the diffuse source pressures. The selection of bodies shall be made such that they are representative of the relative risks of the occurrence of the diffuse source pressures, and of the relative risks of the failure to achieve good surface water status,
for bodies at risk from significant hydromorphological pressure, sufficient monitoring points within a selection of the bodies in order to assess the magnitude and impact of the hydromorphological pressures. The selection of bodies shall be indicative of the overall impact of the hydromorphological pressure to which all the bodies are subject.
Selection of quality elementsU.K.
In order to assess the magnitude of the pressure to which bodies of surface water are subject Member States shall monitor for those quality elements which are indicative of the pressures to which the body or bodies are subject. In order to assess the impact of these pressures, Member States shall monitor as relevant:
parameters indicative of the biological quality element, or elements, most sensitive to the pressures to which the water bodies are subject,
all priority substances discharged, and other pollutants discharged in significant quantities,
parameters indicative of the hydromorphological quality element most sensitive to the pressure identified.
1.3.3.Design of investigative monitoringU.K.
ObjectiveU.K.
Investigative monitoring shall be carried out:
where the reason for any exceedances is unknown,
where surveillance monitoring indicates that the objectives set out in Article 4 for a body of water are not likely to be achieved and operational monitoring has not already been established, in order to ascertain the causes of a water body or water bodies failing to achieve the environmental objectives, or
to ascertain the magnitude and impacts of accidental pollution,
and shall inform the establishment of a programme of measures for the achievement of the environmental objectives and specific measures necessary to remedy the effects of accidental pollution.
1.3.4.Frequency of monitoringU.K.
For the surveillance monitoring period, the frequencies for monitoring parameters indicative of physico-chemical quality elements given below should be applied unless greater intervals would be justified on the basis of technical knowledge and expert judgement. For biological or hydromorphological quality elements monitoring shall be carried out at least once during the surveillance monitoring period.
For operational monitoring, the frequency of monitoring required for any parameter shall be determined by Member States so as to provide sufficient data for a reliable assessment of the status of the relevant quality element. As a guideline, monitoring should take place at intervals not exceeding those shown in the table below unless greater intervals would be justified on the basis of technical knowledge and expert judgement.
Frequencies shall be chosen so as to achieve an acceptable level of confidence and precision. Estimates of the confidence and precision attained by the monitoring system used shall be stated in the river basin management plan.
Monitoring frequencies shall be selected which take account of the variability in parameters resulting from both natural and anthropogenic conditions. The times at which monitoring is undertaken shall be selected so as to minimise the impact of seasonal variation on the results, and thus ensure that the results reflect changesin the water body as a result of changes due to anthropogenic pressure. Additional monitoring during different seasons of the same year shall be carried out, where necessary, to achieve this objective.
| Quality element | Rivers | Lakes | Transitional | Coastal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological | ||||
| Phytoplankton | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months | 6 months |
| Other aquatic flora | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Macro invertebrates | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
| Fish | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years | |
| Hydromorphological | ||||
| Continuity | 6 years | |||
| Hydrology | continuous | 1 month | ||
| Morphology | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years | 6 years |
| Physico-chemical | ||||
| Thermal conditions | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Oxygenation | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Salinity | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | |
| Nutrient status | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Acidification status | 3 months | 3 months | ||
| Other pollutants | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months | 3 months |
| Priority substances | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month | 1 month |
1.3.5.Additional monitoring requirements for protected areasU.K.
The monitoring programmes required above shall be supplemented in order to fulfil the following requirements:
Drinking water abstraction pointsU.K.
Bodies of surface water designated in Article 7 which provide more than 100 m3 a day as an average shall be designated as monitoring sites and shall be subject to such additional monitoring as may be necessary to meet the requirements of that Article. Such bodies shall be monitored for all priority substances discharged and all other substances discharged in significant quantities which could affect the status of the body of water and which are controlled under the provisions of the Drinking Water Directive. Monitoring shall be carried out in accordance with the frequencies set out below:
| Community served | Frequency |
|---|---|
| <10 000 | 4 per year |
| 10 000 to 30 000 | 8 per year |
| >30 000 | 12 per year. |
Habitat and species protection areasU.K.
Bodies of water forming these areas shall be included within the operational monitoring programme referred to above where, on the basis of the impact assessment and the surveillance monitoring, they are identified as being at risk of failing to meet their environmental objectives under Article 4. Monitoring shall be carried out to assess the magnitude and impact of all relevant significant pressures on these bodies and, where necessary, to assess changes in the status of such bodies resulting from the programmes of measures. Monitoring shall continue until the areas satisfy the water-related requirements of the legislation under which they are designated and meet their objectives under Article 4.
1.3.6.Standards for monitoring of quality elementsU.K.
Methods used for the monitoring of type parameters shall conform to the international standards listed below or such other national or international standards which will ensure the provision of data of an equivalent scientific quality and comparability.
Macroinvertebrate samplingU.K.
| ISO 5667-3:1995 | Water quality — Sampling — Part 3: Guidance on the preservation and handling of samples |
| EN 27828:1994 | Water quality — Methods for biological sampling — Guidance on hand net sampling of benthic macroinvertebrates |
| EN 28265:1994 | Water quality — Methods of biological sampling — Guidance on the design and use of quantitative samplers for benthic macroinvertebrates on stony substrata in shallow waters |
| EN ISO 9391:1995 | Water quality — Sampling in deep waters for macroinvertebrates — Guidance on the use of colonisation, qualitative and quantitative samplers |
| EN ISO 8689-1:1999 | Biological classification of rivers PART I: Guidance on the interpretation of biological quality data from surveys of benthic macroinvertebrates in running waters |
| EN ISO 8689-2:1999 | Biological classification of rivers PART II: Guidance on the presentation of biological quality data from surveys of benthic macroinvertebrates in running waters |
Macrophyte samplingU.K.
Relevant CEN / ISO standards when developed
Fish samplingU.K.
Relevant CEN / ISO standards when developed
Diatom samplingU.K.
Relevant CEN/ISO standards when developed
Standards for physico-chemical parametersU.K.
Any relevant CEN/ISO standards
Standards for hydromorphological parametersU.K.
Any relevant CEN/ISO standards
1.4.Classification and presentation of ecological statusU.K.
1.4.1.Comparability of biological monitoring resultsU.K.
Member States shall establish monitoring systems for the purpose of estimating the values of the biological quality elements specified for each surface water category or for heavily modified and artificial bodies of surface water. In applying the procedure set out below to heavily modified or artificial water bodies, references to ecological status should be construed as references to ecological potential. Such systems may utilise particular species or groups of species which are representative of the quality element as a whole.
In order to ensure comparability of such monitoring systems, the results of the systems operated by each Member State shall be expressed as ecological quality ratios for the purposes of classification of ecological status. These ratios shall represent the relationship between the values of the biological parameters observed for a given body of surface water and the values for these parameters in the reference conditions applicable to that body. The ratio shall be expressed as a numerical value between zero and one, with high ecological status represented by values close to one and bad ecological status by values close to zero.
Each Member State shall divide the ecological quality ratio scale for their monitoring system for each surface water category into five classes ranging from high to bad ecological status, as defined in Section 1.2, by assigning a numerical value to each of the boundaries between the classes. The value for the boundary between the classes of high and good status, and the value for the boundary between good and moderate status shall be established through the intercalibration exercise described below.
The Commission shall facilitate this intercalibration exercise in order to ensure that these class boundaries are established consistent with the normative definitions in Section 1.2 and are comparable between Member States.
As part of this exercise the Commission shall facilitate an exchange of information between Members States leading to the identification of a range of sites in each ecoregion in the Community; these sites will form an intercalibration network. The network shall consist of sites selected from a range of surface water body types present within each ecoregion. For each surface water body type selected, the network shall consist of at least two sites corresponding to the boundary between the normative definitions of high and good status, and at least two sites corresponding to the boundary between the normative definitions of good and moderate status. The sites shall be selected by expert judgement based on joint inspections and all other available information.
Each Member State monitoring system shall be applied to those sites in the intercalibration network which are both in the ecoregion and of a surface water body type to which the system will be applied pursuant to the requirements of this Directive. The results of this application shall be used to set the numerical values for the relevant class boundaries in each Member State monitoring system.
[F1The Commission shall prepare a draft register of sites to form the intercalibration network. The final register of sites shall be established in accordance with the regulatory procedure referred to in Article 21(2).]
The Commission and Member States shall complete the intercalibration exercise within 18 months of the date on which the finalised register is published.
[F1The results of the intercalibration exercise and the values established for the Member State monitoring system classifications in accordance with points (i) to (viii) and designed to amend non-essential elements of this Directive by supplementing it, shall be adopted in accordance with the regulatory procedure with scrutiny referred to in Article 21(3) and published within six months of the completion of the intercalibration exercise.]
Textual Amendments
1.4.2.Presentation of monitoring results and classification of ecological status and ecological potentialU.K.
| For surface water categories, the ecological status classification for the body of water shall be represented by the lower of the values for the biological and physico-chemical monitoring results for the relevant quality elements classified in accordance with the first column of the table set out below. Member States shall provide a map for each river basin district illustrating the classification of the ecological status foreach body of water, colour-coded in accordance with the second column of the table set out below to reflect the ecological status classification of the body of water: | |
| Ecological status classification | Colour code |
|---|---|
| High | Blue |
| Good | Green |
| Moderate | Yellow |
| Poor | Orange |
| Bad | Red |
| For heavily modified and artificial water bodies, the ecological potential classification for the body of water shall be represented by the lower of the values for the biological and physico-chemical monitoring results for the relevant quality elements classified in accordance with the first column of the table set out below. Member States shall provide a map for each river basin district illustrating the classification of the ecological potential for each body of water, colour-coded, in respect of artificial water bodies in accordance with the second column of the table set out below, and in respect of heavily modified water bodies in accordance with the third column of that table: | ||
| Ecological potential classification | Colour code | |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial Water Bodies | Heavily Modified | |
| Good and above | Equal green and light grey stripes | Equal green and dark grey stripes |
| Moderate | Equal yellow and light grey stripes | Equal yellow and dark grey stripes |
| Poor | Equal orange and light grey stripes | Equal orange and dark grey stripes |
| Bad | Equal red and light grey stripes | Equal red and dark grey stripes |
Member States shall also indicate, by a black dot on the map, those bodies of water where failure to achieve good status or good ecological potential is due to non-compliance with one or more environmental quality standards which have been established for that body of water in respect of specific synthetic and non-synthetic pollutants (in accordance with the compliance regime established by the Member State).
1.4.3.Presentation of monitoring results and classification of chemical statusU.K.
Where a body of water achieves compliance with all the environmental quality standards established in Annex IX, Article 16 and under other relevant Community legislation setting environmental quality standards it shall be recorded as achieving good chemical status. If not, the body shall be recorded as failing to achieve good chemical status.
| Member States shall provide a map for each river basin district illustrating chemical status for each body of water, colour-coded in accordance with the second column of the table set out below to reflect the chemical status classification of the body of water: | |
| Chemical status classification | Colour code |
|---|---|
| Good | Blue |
| Failing to achieve good | Red |