The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC)) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003

The Water Framework Directive aims to establish an overall framework for the protection of surface and ground waters. It is a comprehensive and co-ordinated package that will ensure that all European waters are protected according to a common standard. The Regulations came into force in Northern Ireland in January 2004.

The Directive uses an integrated approach to water management, based on natural river basins. It aims to simplify and rationalise current legislation and will gradually replace several existing key pieces of EU legislation. River basins must be clearly designated and monitored, with River Basin Management Plans drawn up tailored to the specific circumstances in that river basin.

The Directive encourages active involvement of all interested parties and farmers and landlords will play an important role.

Further information on the Water Framework Directive is available on the Department of the Environment's Environment and Heritage Service website.