The Water Framework Directive

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a European Union policy aimed at protecting and improving water quality across member states. It sets a framework for the management of rivers, lakes, groundwater, and coastal waters to ensure they are clean, healthy, and sustainable. The directive promotes integrated water resource management, requiring countries to assess water conditions, set quality standards, and develop plans to achieve "good status" for all water bodies by 2027. This approach encourages cooperation between different regions and stakeholders to safeguard water resources for both people and the environment.