Policies abd Regulations

The catalogue identifies relevant open data sources, including Earth Observation (EO) satellite data, as well as environmental and socio-economic. These sources include local and remote sensors (such as satellite imagery, weather stations, and water quality monitoring devices), research outputs (such as census reports, land use maps, and economic indicators). Each resource is evaluated for quality, update frequency, accessibility, and any applicable legal constraints.

ID â–² Name Issuing organisation Geographical Scope Type Scientific domain Type of water Water management focus Parameter change rate assumption Description Status Effect Date Resource Recommendations
policies-1 The Water Framework Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology groundwater and surface waters (rivers, lakes, transitional waters, and coastal waters), marine waters monitoring, management Specifies the criteria for evaluating water status, including Biological quality, Hydromorphological quality, Physical-chemical quality and Chemical quality The WFD creates a framework for water policies, objectives and deadlines for enhancing the status of water bodies. effective 22 December 2000 https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02000L0060-20141120 The Water Framework Directive protects and improves all water bodies in the EU by achieving "good status" through integrated river basin management and regular monitoring. It promotes sustainable water use, cost recovery through pricing, and the prevention of further water deterioration. Public participation and coordination with other environmental directives are essential to its implementation.
policies-2 The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation chemistry and biology wastewater management The UWWTD ensures proper treatment of urban wastewater to protect human health and the environment. It sets standards for wastewater treatment plants. effective 1991 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en Recommends the collection and treatment of wastewater in urban areas to reduce pollution in the environment, especially in sensitive areas.
policies-3 The Marine Strategy Framework Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology marine water management The MSFD establishes marine regions according to geographical and environmental criteria. Member states within a marine region are required to develop strategies to protect their marine waters. effective 2008 https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/research-area/environment/oceans-and-seas/eu-marine-strategy-framework-directive_en To achieve "Good Environmental Status" of marine waters by 2020 through ecosystem-based management and protection of marine biodiversity.
policies-4 The Floods Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation physical states surface water and coastal management The FD requires member states to carry out flood risk assessments, create maps of flood risk and develop flood risk management plans. effective 2007 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/floods_en Encourages flood risk assessment and management planning, with a focus on prevention, protection, and preparedness at river basin level.
policies-5 The Drinking Water Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation chemistry and biology drinking water management The DWD sets quality standards for drinking water and requires drinking water quality to be monitored and reported. effective 1998 (revised 2021) https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/drinking-water_en Ensures safe and clean drinking water for human consumption by setting quality standards and improving access, particularly for vulnerable groups.
policies-6 The Bathing Water Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation chemistry bathing water management The BWD aims to protect public health and the environment by keeping coastal and inland bathing waters free from pollution. effective 2006 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/bathing-water_en Requires regular monitoring of bathing water quality and public information to protect public health and maintain clean, safe recreational waters.
policies-7 The Sewage Sludge Directive European Parliament & Council EU Legistlation chemistry wastewater management The SSD aims to encourage the use of sewage sludge in agriculture and to regulate its use in in such a way as to prevent harmful effects on soil, vegetation, animals and man. effective 1986 https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/sewage-sludge_en Regulates the use of sewage sludge in agriculture to protect soil, vegetation, animals, and humans from harmful contaminants.
policies-8 The Water Resources Act 1991 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation chemistry and biology The Water Act 1989 provided for the privatisation of the former water authorities. Water related legislation (including the Water Act 1989) was subsequently consolidated into new Acts of Parliament. These included: The Water Industry Act 1991, which sets out the main powers and duties of the water and sewerage companies, thus replacing those set out in the Water Act 1989, and defined the powers of the Director General of Water Services (now the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat)). The Water Resources Act 1991, which set out the functions of the National Rivers Authority (now the Environment Agency) and introduced water quality classifications and objectives for the first time. effective 25th July 1991 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/57/contents Establishes legal controls over water pollution, abstraction, and discharge in England and Wales, supporting sustainable water resource management
policies-9 The Water Supply (Water Quality) Regulations 2016 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation chemistry, and biology drinking water management The instrument provides the legislative framework for drinking water quality in England in respect of public supplies provided by water companies and licensed water suppliers. This is water intended for human consumption including cooking, drinking, food preparation and other domestic purposes as well as water used in food production undertakings. The Drinking Water Inspectorate, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State, enforces the legislation. effective https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2016/614/contents Sets strict standards for drinking water quality, requiring regular monitoring and action to ensure safety for public health.
policies-10 The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017 UK Parliament England and Wales Legistlation physical states, chemistry, geology, and biology surface water and groundwater monitoring, management Establishes a framework for water environment management in the UK, setting up the river basin management plan for each river basin. effective 10th April 2017 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/407/contents/made Implements the EU Water Framework Directive into UK law, promoting integrated water resource management and ecological protection of water bodies.