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Environmental information systems
%
of surface waters
are in good or better
ecological status
The Water Framework Directive requires assessment of the ecological status of surface waters. This is an expression of the quality of the structure and functioning of the water body. It shows the combined impact of pressures such as pollution, habitat degradation and climate change.
- The Water Framework Directive requires that all water bodies be in good status by 2015, or at the latest by 2027. Good or high status represents the water body condition being as it would be with little or no human impact.
- Ecological Status in the Water Framework Directive refers to the overall health of water bodies, including rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, based on the condition of their ecosystems. The directive aims to ensure that all water bodies achieve good ecological status
- Furthermore, the assessment of surface waters includes chemical status.
Ecological status of surface water bodies in the 3rd River Basin Management Plan
In Europe (EU-27) around % of the surface water bodies are reported in good or high ecological status.
A large proportion of surface waters fail to meet good ecological status. Several parameters are included in the assessment of good status, including biological quality, pollutants, consideration of the natural flow and physical features (see the dedicated pages available from the menu on the right).
Failure of just one of these means that it is not possible to achieve good ecological status.
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Ecological status in surface waters
This map shows the ecological status across Europe at River Basin District level. It shows the share of surface waters achieving good status. Blue river basins are those where the share of surface waters in good status is greater than 50%, whereas those coloured red are where the share in good status is less than 50%.
A map showing ecological status in 1st, 2nd or 3rd River Basin Management Plans can be selected through the drop down menu at the top left.
The map shows that many parts of Europe are challenged to meet good ecological status. Less densely populated areas tend to be in better condition.
Ecological status development between River Basin Management Plans, EU-27
These charts show the development of ecological status over the three RBMP cycles.
The proportion of surface waters in good and high status is approximately stable. Meanwhile the proportion in moderate status has increased while the unknowns have decreased, as knowledge has improved.
Measures to improve the ecological status of a water body take time to be fully effective.
Hover over the bars to see the number of water bodies.
First River Basin Management Plan
Total number of reported surface water bodies: 116,812
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Second River Basin Management Plan
Total number of reported surface water bodies: 108,892
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Third River Basin Management Plan
Total number of reported surface water bodies: (see the Note)
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Caution is advised when comparing between RBMP cycles, as the results may be affected by the evolution and differences in methods that Member States have used to collect and report information.
