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Environmental information systems
%
of groundwater area
is in good
quantitative status
The Water Framework Directive requires assessment of the quantitative status of groundwaters. Assessment is based on the changes in groundwater level. If the groundwater resources are over-abstracted, so that the amount of water used is more than that which is recharged, the groundwater body fails to meet good quantitative status.
- The quantitative status of groundwater can also fail if ecosystems dependent on groundwater deteriorate owing to there not being enough groundwater.
- The WFD requires that all water bodies be in good status by 2015, or at the latest by 2027. Good status represents the water body condition being as it would be with little or no human impact.
- Good status represents the water body condition being as it would be with little or no human impact.
Furthermore, the assessment of groundwaters also includes chemical status.
Quantitative status of groundwater bodies in the 3rd River Basin Management Plan (by area)
This chart shows the proportion of groundwaters in good, failing to achieve good, and unknown quantitative status for the EU-27 or selected country.
In Europe (EU-27), around % of groundwater bodies currently reported (2022) are in good quantitative status.
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Groundwater bodies achieving or failing to achieve a good quantitative status
Most groundwater bodies are reported as being in good quantitative status. Some challenges are reported particularly in southern Europe.
This map shows the percentage distribution of groundwater bodies with good or failing quantitative status at the river basin district level. Dark blue indicates that over 90% of groundwater bodies are in good quantitative status, while dark red indicates that over 90% have failed to achieve this status.
Quantitative status in 1st, 2nd or 3rd River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) can be selected through the drop-down menu.
Quantitative status development between River Basin Management Plans, EU-27
These charts show the development of quantitative status over the three RBMP cycles. Hover over the bars to see the area of groundwater bodies in each status.
First River Basin Management Plan
Total areas of reported groundwater bodies:
4,336,081 Km2
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Second River Basin Management Plan
Total areas of reported groundwater bodies:
4,376,579
Km2
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Third River Basin Management Plan
Total areas of reported groundwater bodies:
Km2 (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.
