vesipuitedirektiiviin

Vesiputkidiirektiivi, or the Water Framework Directive (WFD) in English, is a significant piece of European Union legislation aiming to protect and improve the quality of its water bodies. Adopted in 2000, it establishes a comprehensive framework for the management of rivers, lakes, transitional waters, and coastal waters. The primary objective of the WFD is to achieve "good status" for all water bodies by 2015, with a possibility for extensions under certain conditions. This "good status" is defined in terms of both ecological and chemical quality. Ecological status considers the biological communities present, while chemical status refers to the levels of specific pollutants.

The directive emphasizes a river basin management approach, meaning that management efforts are coordinated across entire river systems, including their tributaries and groundwater sources. This integrated approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of water resources. Member states are required to identify their river basins, assess the condition of their water bodies, and develop management plans to achieve the WFD's objectives. These plans include measures for pollution reduction, sustainable water use, and the restoration of damaged water ecosystems. Public participation is a key element, with citizens and stakeholders encouraged to contribute to the planning process. The WFD has been instrumental in driving water quality improvements across Europe and continues to be a cornerstone of EU environmental policy.