1 introduction to the water framework directive (wfd)

34
1 INTRODUCTION TO THE INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD) DIRECTIVE (WFD)

Post on 19-Dec-2015

234 views

Category:

Documents


2 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

11

INTRODUCTION TO THE INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK WATER FRAMEWORK

DIRECTIVE (WFD)DIRECTIVE (WFD)

Page 2: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

22

Main issues of the presentationMain issues of the presentation

History of European Water Policy and WFDHistory of European Water Policy and WFD Purpose of WFDPurpose of WFD Key aims of WFDKey aims of WFD Main components of WFDMain components of WFD Key Actions that Member States Need to TakeKey Actions that Member States Need to Take Integration: a key concept underlying the Integration: a key concept underlying the

Water Framework DirectiveWater Framework Directive

Page 3: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

33

History of European Water Policy and WFDHistory of European Water Policy and WFD

The first roundThe first round of water legislations: 1975 -1980 by setting standards of water legislations: 1975 -1980 by setting standards for rivers and lakes used for drinking water abstraction. the following for rivers and lakes used for drinking water abstraction. the following issues were adopted:issues were adopted:

-- Fish watersFish waters -- Shellfish watersShellfish waters -- Bathing watersBathing waters -- GroundwaterGroundwater -- Drinking waterDrinking water -- Dangerous substancesDangerous substances The second roundThe second round of Directives: 1990-1996: of Directives: 1990-1996: - - Nitrate DirectiveNitrate Directive - - Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive - - Integrated Pollution and Prevention Control (IPPC) DirectiveIntegrated Pollution and Prevention Control (IPPC) Directive

Page 4: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

44

History of European Water Policy and WFDHistory of European Water Policy and WFD

Third roundThird round: During the 1990s the need for a : During the 1990s the need for a holistic and consistent approach in managing holistic and consistent approach in managing Europe’s water resources successively developedEurope’s water resources successively developed

It also became increasingly clear that an efficient It also became increasingly clear that an efficient European water policy also has to involve citizens European water policy also has to involve citizens and non-governmental organisations in the water and non-governmental organisations in the water management process. management process.

As a result, in the year 2000, the Water As a result, in the year 2000, the Water Framework Directive was adopted, consolidating a Framework Directive was adopted, consolidating a number of existing water directives into one piece number of existing water directives into one piece of legal framework. of legal framework.

Page 5: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

55

History of European Water History of European Water Policy and WFDPolicy and WFD The adoption of the WFD marks a new era in EU water The adoption of the WFD marks a new era in EU water

policy since it introduces:policy since it introduces: a unified system for water management. a unified system for water management. River basins are defined as the basic unit for water River basins are defined as the basic unit for water

management instead of administrative or political borders management instead of administrative or political borders public participation is highlighted. public participation is highlighted. The WFD represents EU’s central piece of water legislation, The WFD represents EU’s central piece of water legislation,

and provides the basis for a coherent and uniform water and provides the basis for a coherent and uniform water policy. Already existing water legislation will be considered policy. Already existing water legislation will be considered “daughter directives” or be repealed. Several new directives “daughter directives” or be repealed. Several new directives under the WFD are under preparation. under the WFD are under preparation.

WFD is a minimum directive, which means that it stipulates WFD is a minimum directive, which means that it stipulates minimum requirements but does not prevent member states minimum requirements but does not prevent member states from introducing stricter national regulations.from introducing stricter national regulations.

Page 6: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

66

Purpose Purpose The purpose of this Directive is to The purpose of this Directive is to establish a framework establish a framework

for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwaterwaters, coastal waters and groundwater which: which:

(a) prevents further deterioration and protects and (a) prevents further deterioration and protects and enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with enhances the status of aquatic ecosystems and, with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly depending on the aquatic ecosystems;wetlands directly depending on the aquatic ecosystems;

(b) promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term (b) promotes sustainable water use based on a long-term protection of available water resources;protection of available water resources;

(c) aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the (c) aims at enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific measures aquatic environment, inter alia, through specific measures for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and for the progressive reduction of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances and the cessation or phasing-losses of priority substances and the cessation or phasing-out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority out of discharges, emissions and losses of the priority hazardous substances;hazardous substances;

Page 7: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

77

PurposePurpose

(d) ensures the progressive reduction of pollution (d) ensures the progressive reduction of pollution of groundwater and prevents its further pollution, of groundwater and prevents its further pollution, andand

(e) contributes (e) contributes to mitigating the effects of to mitigating the effects of floods and droughtsfloods and droughts

and thereby contributes to:and thereby contributes to: - the provision of the - the provision of the sufficient supply of good sufficient supply of good

quality surface water and groundwaterquality surface water and groundwater as as needed for sustainable, balanced and equitable needed for sustainable, balanced and equitable water use,water use,

- a significant reduction in pollution of - a significant reduction in pollution of groundwater,groundwater,

Page 8: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

88

PurposePurpose

- the protection of territorial and marine waters, and- the protection of territorial and marine waters, and - achieving the objectives of relevant international - achieving the objectives of relevant international

agreements, including those which aim to prevent and agreements, including those which aim to prevent and eliminate pollution of the marine environment, by eliminate pollution of the marine environment, by Community action under Article 16(3) to cease or phase Community action under Article 16(3) to cease or phase out discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous out discharges, emissions and losses of priority hazardous substances, with the ultimate aim of substances, with the ultimate aim of achieving achieving concentrations in the marine environment near concentrations in the marine environment near background values for naturally occurring substances background values for naturally occurring substances and close to zero for man-made synthetic substancesand close to zero for man-made synthetic substances..

Page 9: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

99

Key aims of WFDKey aims of WFD

expanding the scope of water protection to all waters: expanding the scope of water protection to all waters: surface waters and groundwater surface waters and groundwater

achieving "good status" for all waters by a set deadline achieving "good status" for all waters by a set deadline (2015)(2015)

water management based on river basins water management based on river basins "combined approach" of emission limit values and quality "combined approach" of emission limit values and quality

standards standards getting the prices right getting the prices right getting the citizen involved more closely getting the citizen involved more closely streamlining legislation streamlining legislation

Page 10: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1010

Main componentsMain components

The WFD contains the following main components: The WFD contains the following main components:

Identification of river basin districts Identification of river basin districts Protection of surface water and groundwater Protection of surface water and groundwater Environmental objectives; good status shall be obtained Environmental objectives; good status shall be obtained

for all waters for all waters Analysis of pressures and impacts, Analysis of pressures and impacts, Economic analysisEconomic analysis Monitoring programmesMonitoring programmes River Basin Management Plan with programme of River Basin Management Plan with programme of

measuresmeasures Public participationPublic participation

Page 11: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1111

A single system of water management: A single system of water management: River basin managementRiver basin management    

The best model for a single system of water management The best model for a single system of water management is management by river basin - the natural geographical is management by river basin - the natural geographical and hydrological unit - instead of according to and hydrological unit - instead of according to administrative or political boundaries. administrative or political boundaries.

While several Member States already take a river basin While several Member States already take a river basin approach, this is at present not the case everywhere. approach, this is at present not the case everywhere.

For each river basin district - some of which traverse For each river basin district - some of which traverse national frontiers - a "river basin management plan" will national frontiers - a "river basin management plan" will need to be established and updated every six years, and need to be established and updated every six years, and this will provide the context for the co-ordination this will provide the context for the co-ordination requirements identified above.   requirements identified above.  

Page 12: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1212

Co-ordination of objectives - good status Co-ordination of objectives - good status for all waters by a set deadlinefor all waters by a set deadline    

There are a number of objectives in respect of which the quality There are a number of objectives in respect of which the quality of water is protected. The key ones at European level are:of water is protected. The key ones at European level are:

1.1. general protection of the aquatic ecology, - applied to all general protection of the aquatic ecology, - applied to all waterswaters

2.2. specific protection of unique and valuable habitats,- wetlands specific protection of unique and valuable habitats,- wetlands 3.3. protection of drinking water resources, - drinking water protection of drinking water resources, - drinking water

abstractionabstraction4.4. and protection of bathing water – bathing areasand protection of bathing water – bathing areasAll these objectives must be integrated for each river basin. All these objectives must be integrated for each river basin.

The central requirement is that the environment be protected The central requirement is that the environment be protected to a high level in its entirety.   to a high level in its entirety.  

Page 13: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1313

Surface waterSurface water    

Ecological protectionEcological protection     For this reason, a general requirement for ecological For this reason, a general requirement for ecological

protection - "good ecological status" based on the quality protection - "good ecological status" based on the quality of the biological community and the hydrological of the biological community and the hydrological characteristics, and acharacteristics, and a

general minimum chemical standard, - "good chemical general minimum chemical standard, - "good chemical status“ was introduced to cover all surface waters. Based status“ was introduced to cover all surface waters. Based on the chemical characteristics of water.on the chemical characteristics of water.

Page 14: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1414

Surface waterSurface water Chemical protectionChemical protection     Good chemical status is defined in terms of Good chemical status is defined in terms of

compliance with all the quality standards compliance with all the quality standards established for chemical substances at European established for chemical substances at European level. level.

The Directive also provides a mechanism for The Directive also provides a mechanism for renewing these standards and establishing new renewing these standards and establishing new ones by means of a prioritisation mechanism for ones by means of a prioritisation mechanism for hazardous chemicals. hazardous chemicals.

This will ensure at least a minimum chemical This will ensure at least a minimum chemical quality, particularly in relation to very toxic quality, particularly in relation to very toxic substances, everywhere in the Community.   substances, everywhere in the Community.  

Page 15: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1515

Surface waterSurface water

The other uses or objectives for which water is The other uses or objectives for which water is protected, apply in specific areas, not protected, apply in specific areas, not everywhere. Therefore, specific protection everywhere. Therefore, specific protection zones must be designated within the river zones must be designated within the river basin, which must meet these different basin, which must meet these different objectives. Ecological and chemical objectives. Ecological and chemical protection is requested everywhere as a protection is requested everywhere as a minimum, more stringent requirements will minimum, more stringent requirements will be set for the particular zones of particular be set for the particular zones of particular uses.   uses.  

Page 16: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1616

GroundwaterGroundwater    

Chemical statusChemical status     The case of groundwater is somewhat different. The The case of groundwater is somewhat different. The

presumption in relation to groundwater should broadly be presumption in relation to groundwater should broadly be that it should not be polluted at all. For this reason, that it should not be polluted at all. For this reason, setting chemical quality standards may not be the best setting chemical quality standards may not be the best approach, as it gives the impression of an allowed level approach, as it gives the impression of an allowed level of pollution to which Member States can fill up. of pollution to which Member States can fill up.

It comprises a prohibition on direct discharges to It comprises a prohibition on direct discharges to groundwater, and (to cover indirect discharges) a groundwater, and (to cover indirect discharges) a requirement to monitor groundwater bodies so as to requirement to monitor groundwater bodies so as to detect changes in chemical composition, and to reverse detect changes in chemical composition, and to reverse any antropogenically induced upward pollution trend. any antropogenically induced upward pollution trend. Taken together, these should ensure the protection of Taken together, these should ensure the protection of groundwater from all contamination, according to the groundwater from all contamination, according to the principle of minimum anthropogenic impact.   principle of minimum anthropogenic impact.  

Page 17: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1717

GroundwaterGroundwaterQuantitative statusQuantitative status     Quantity is also a major issue for groundwater. There is Quantity is also a major issue for groundwater. There is

only a certain amount of recharge into the groundwater only a certain amount of recharge into the groundwater each year, and of this recharge, some is needed to each year, and of this recharge, some is needed to support connected ecosystems (whether they be surface support connected ecosystems (whether they be surface water bodies, or terrestrial systems such as wetlands).water bodies, or terrestrial systems such as wetlands).

For good management, only that portion of the overall For good management, only that portion of the overall recharge not needed by the ecology can be abstracted – recharge not needed by the ecology can be abstracted – this is the sustainable resource, and the Directive limits this is the sustainable resource, and the Directive limits abstraction to that quantity.   abstraction to that quantity.  

One of the innovations of the Directive is that it provides One of the innovations of the Directive is that it provides a framework for integrated management of groundwater a framework for integrated management of groundwater and surface water for the first time at European level.   and surface water for the first time at European level.  

Page 18: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1818

Co-ordination of measuresCo-ordination of measures    

There are a number of measures taken at Community level to tackle There are a number of measures taken at Community level to tackle particular pollution problems: Urban Waste Water Treatment particular pollution problems: Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Nitrates Directive, Integrated Pollution Prevention and Directive, Nitrates Directive, Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Directive. Control Directive.

The aim is to co-ordinate the application of these so as to meet the The aim is to co-ordinate the application of these so as to meet the objectives established above. This is done through this steps:   objectives established above. This is done through this steps:  

First of all, the objectives are established for the river basin First of all, the objectives are established for the river basin Then an analysis of human impact is conducted so as to determine Then an analysis of human impact is conducted so as to determine

how far from the objective each body of water is. how far from the objective each body of water is. The effect on the problems of each body of water of full The effect on the problems of each body of water of full

implementation of all existing legislation is considered. If the existing implementation of all existing legislation is considered. If the existing legislation solves the problem, the objective of the framework legislation solves the problem, the objective of the framework Directive is attained. Directive is attained.

If it does not, the Member State must identify exactly why, and If it does not, the Member State must identify exactly why, and design whatever additional measures are needed to satisfy all the design whatever additional measures are needed to satisfy all the objectives established. These might include stricter controls on objectives established. These might include stricter controls on polluting emissions from industry and agriculture, or urban waste polluting emissions from industry and agriculture, or urban waste water sources, say. This should ensure full co-ordination.   water sources, say. This should ensure full co-ordination.  

Page 19: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

1919

The combined approachThe combined approach     First step, Reduce emissions at the sourceFirst step, Reduce emissions at the source When it fails doing so at the wanted level, and the When it fails doing so at the wanted level, and the

objective cannot be reached the second step isobjective cannot be reached the second step is Mitigate the impact/effectsMitigate the impact/effects It also sets out a framework for developing further such It also sets out a framework for developing further such

controls. The framework comprises the development of a controls. The framework comprises the development of a list of priority substances for action at EU level, prioritised list of priority substances for action at EU level, prioritised on the basis of risk; and then the design of the most cost-on the basis of risk; and then the design of the most cost-effective set of measures to achieve load reduction of effective set of measures to achieve load reduction of those substances, taking into account both product and those substances, taking into account both product and process sources.   process sources.  

On the effects side, it co-ordinates all the environmental On the effects side, it co-ordinates all the environmental objectives in existing legislation, and provides a new objectives in existing legislation, and provides a new overall objective of good status for all waters, and requires overall objective of good status for all waters, and requires that where the measures taken on the source side are not that where the measures taken on the source side are not sufficient to achieve these objectives, additional ones are sufficient to achieve these objectives, additional ones are required.   required.  

Page 20: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2020

The river basin management planThe river basin management plan     All the elements of this analysis must be set out in a plan for the river basin. The All the elements of this analysis must be set out in a plan for the river basin. The

plan is a detailed account of how the objectives set for the river basin (ecological plan is a detailed account of how the objectives set for the river basin (ecological status, quantitative status, chemical status and protected area objectives) are to status, quantitative status, chemical status and protected area objectives) are to be reached within the timescale required. be reached within the timescale required.

The plan will include all the results of the above analysis: The plan will include all the results of the above analysis: the river basin’s characteristics, the river basin’s characteristics, a review of the impact of human activity on the status of waters in the basin, a review of the impact of human activity on the status of waters in the basin, estimation of the effect of existing legislation and the remaining "gap" to meeting estimation of the effect of existing legislation and the remaining "gap" to meeting

these objectives; and these objectives; and a set of measures designed to fill the gap. a set of measures designed to fill the gap. an economic analysis of water use within the river basin – an economic analysis of water use within the river basin – a rational discussion on the cost-effectiveness of the various possible measures. a rational discussion on the cost-effectiveness of the various possible measures. It is essential that all interested parties are fully involved in this discussion, and It is essential that all interested parties are fully involved in this discussion, and

indeed in the preparation of the river basin management plan as a whole. Which indeed in the preparation of the river basin management plan as a whole. Which brings us to the final major element, the public participation requirements.   brings us to the final major element, the public participation requirements.  

Page 21: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2121

Key Actions to Take under WFDKey Actions to Take under WFD To identify the individual river basins lying within To identify the individual river basins lying within

their national territory and assign them to their national territory and assign them to individual River Basin Districts (RBDs), and individual River Basin Districts (RBDs), and identify competent authorities by 2003identify competent authorities by 2003

To characterise river basin districts in terms of To characterise river basin districts in terms of pressures, impacts and economics of water uses, pressures, impacts and economics of water uses, including a register of protected areas lying within including a register of protected areas lying within the river basin district, by 2004;the river basin district, by 2004;

To carry out the inter-calibration of the ecological To carry out the inter-calibration of the ecological status classification systems by 2006status classification systems by 2006

Page 22: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2222

Key Actions to Take under WFDKey Actions to Take under WFD

To make operational the monitoring of water To make operational the monitoring of water status by 2006 status by 2006

Based on sound monitoring and on the analysis of Based on sound monitoring and on the analysis of the characteristics of the river basin, to identify by the characteristics of the river basin, to identify by 2009 a programme of measures for achieving the 2009 a programme of measures for achieving the environmental objectives of WFD cost-effectively;environmental objectives of WFD cost-effectively;

To produce and publish River Basin Management To produce and publish River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) for each RBD including the Plans (RBMPs) for each RBD including the designation of heavily modified water bodies, by designation of heavily modified water bodies, by 2009 2009

Page 23: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2323

Key Actions to Take under WFDKey Actions to Take under WFD

To implement water pricing policies that To implement water pricing policies that enhance the sustainability of water enhance the sustainability of water resources by 2010;resources by 2010;

To make the measures of the programme To make the measures of the programme operational by 2012; andoperational by 2012; and

To implement the programmes of measures To implement the programmes of measures and achieve the environmental objectives by and achieve the environmental objectives by 2015.2015.

Page 24: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2424

Integration: a key concept underlying Integration: a key concept underlying WFDWFD

The central concept to the WFD is that of The central concept to the WFD is that of integration integration that is seen as key to the management that is seen as key to the management of water protection within the river basin district:of water protection within the river basin district:

Integration of environmental objectives, combining Integration of environmental objectives, combining quality, ecological and quantity objectives for quality, ecological and quantity objectives for protecting highly valuable aquatic ecosystems and protecting highly valuable aquatic ecosystems and ensuring a general good status of other waters;ensuring a general good status of other waters;

Integration of all water resources, combining fresh Integration of all water resources, combining fresh surface water and groundwater bodies, wetlands, surface water and groundwater bodies, wetlands, transitional and coastal water resources at the river transitional and coastal water resources at the river basin scale;basin scale;

Page 25: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2525

Integration: a key concept underlying the Integration: a key concept underlying the Water Framework DirectiveWater Framework Directive

Integration of all water Integration of all water uses, functions, values and uses, functions, values and impactsimpacts into a common policy framework, i.e. into a common policy framework, i.e. investigating water for the environment, water for health investigating water for the environment, water for health and human consumption, water for economic sectors, and human consumption, water for economic sectors, transport, leisure, water as a social good, investigating transport, leisure, water as a social good, investigating both point-source and diffuse pollution, etc.;both point-source and diffuse pollution, etc.;

Integration of Integration of disciplines, analyses and expertisedisciplines, analyses and expertise, , combining hydrology, hydraulics, ecology, chemistry, soil combining hydrology, hydraulics, ecology, chemistry, soil sciences, technology engineering and economics to sciences, technology engineering and economics to assess current pressures and impacts on water resources assess current pressures and impacts on water resources and identify measures for achieving the environmental and identify measures for achieving the environmental objectives of the Directive in the most cost-effective objectives of the Directive in the most cost-effective manner;manner;

Page 26: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2626

Integration: a key concept underlying the Integration: a key concept underlying the Water Framework DirectiveWater Framework Directive

Integration of water legislation into a common Integration of water legislation into a common and coherent framework. and coherent framework. The requirements of The requirements of some old water legislation have been some old water legislation have been reformulated in the Water Framework Directive to reformulated in the Water Framework Directive to meet modern ecological thinking. After a meet modern ecological thinking. After a transitional period, these old Directives will be transitional period, these old Directives will be repealed. Other pieces of legislation will be co-repealed. Other pieces of legislation will be co-ordinated in river basin management plans where ordinated in river basin management plans where they form the basis of the programmes of they form the basis of the programmes of measures;measures;

Page 27: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2727

Integration: a key concept underlying Integration: a key concept underlying the Water Framework Directivethe Water Framework Directive

Integration of a wide range of measures, including Integration of a wide range of measures, including pricing and economic and financial instruments, in a pricing and economic and financial instruments, in a common management approach common management approach for achieving the for achieving the environmental objectives of the Directive. Programmes of environmental objectives of the Directive. Programmes of measures are defined in measures are defined in River Basin Management Plans River Basin Management Plans developed for each river basin district;developed for each river basin district;

Integration of stakeholders and the civil society in Integration of stakeholders and the civil society in decision-making, decision-making, by promoting transparency and by promoting transparency and information to the public, and by offering a unique information to the public, and by offering a unique opportunity for involving stakeholders in the development opportunity for involving stakeholders in the development of river basin management plans;of river basin management plans;

Page 28: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2828

Integration: a key concept underlying the Integration: a key concept underlying the Water Framework DirectiveWater Framework Directive

Integration of different decision-making levels Integration of different decision-making levels that influence water resources and water that influence water resources and water status, status, be local, regional or national, for an be local, regional or national, for an effective management of all waters; andeffective management of all waters; and

Integration of water management from different Integration of water management from different Member States, Member States, for river basins shared by several for river basins shared by several countries, existing and/or future Member States of countries, existing and/or future Member States of the European Union.the European Union.

Page 29: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

2929

Integrating Economics into Environmental Integrating Economics into Environmental Policy: The Novelty of the WaterPolicy: The Novelty of the Water

Framework DirectiveFramework Directive Costs, discount rate, prices, taxes… The use of Costs, discount rate, prices, taxes… The use of

economic terms in the water sector in Europe has economic terms in the water sector in Europe has increased over recent years – and not only on the increased over recent years – and not only on the part of economists. Economic issues affect all part of economists. Economic issues affect all people – as consumers who pay for water supply people – as consumers who pay for water supply and sewerage services; as taxpayers for and sewerage services; as taxpayers for supporting heavy investments in the water sector; supporting heavy investments in the water sector; and increasingly as human beings, eager to and increasingly as human beings, eager to protect water resources for themselves and for protect water resources for themselves and for future generations.future generations.

Page 30: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

3030

Integrating Economics into Environmental Integrating Economics into Environmental Policy: The Novelty of the WaterPolicy: The Novelty of the Water

Framework DirectiveFramework Directive Since the 1970s, advocating the Since the 1970s, advocating the polluter-pays polluter-pays

principle principle in water policy has become the norm in water policy has become the norm rather than the exception, although the level of rather than the exception, although the level of application of this principle remains highly application of this principle remains highly heterogeneous. heterogeneous.

Furthermore, the focus was on financial aspects Furthermore, the focus was on financial aspects rather than on economic costs. It is only in the rather than on economic costs. It is only in the early 1990s (not long before the Directive’s early 1990s (not long before the Directive’s negotiations were initiated) that attention started negotiations were initiated) that attention started switching to the economic value of water.switching to the economic value of water.

Page 31: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

3131

Integrating Economics into Environmental Integrating Economics into Environmental Policy: The Novelty of the WaterPolicy: The Novelty of the Water

Framework DirectiveFramework Directive This led to the production of many academic This led to the production of many academic

studies and analyses, but with limited emphasis studies and analyses, but with limited emphasis placed on creating a link between empirical placed on creating a link between empirical research and policy-making. research and policy-making.

With the WFD, it is the first time in EU With the WFD, it is the first time in EU environmental policy that economic environmental policy that economic principles,tools and instruments are explicitly principles,tools and instruments are explicitly integrated into a piece of legislation, thus opening integrated into a piece of legislation, thus opening up an unique opportunity of making that link a up an unique opportunity of making that link a reality.reality.

Page 32: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

3232

Functions of Economic analysis in the Functions of Economic analysis in the WFDWFD To carry out an To carry out an economic analysis of water uses economic analysis of water uses in in

each River Basin District;each River Basin District; To assess To assess trends trends in water supply, water demand in water supply, water demand

and investments;and investments; To identify areas designated for the protection of To identify areas designated for the protection of

economically significant aquatic species;economically significant aquatic species; To designate heavily modified water bodies based To designate heavily modified water bodies based

on the assessment of changes to such water on the assessment of changes to such water bodies and of the bodies and of the impact impact (including economic (including economic impact) on existing uses and impact) on existing uses and costs costs of alternatives of alternatives for providing the same beneficial objective;for providing the same beneficial objective;

Page 33: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

3333

Functions of Economic analysis in the Functions of Economic analysis in the WFDWFD

To assess current levels of To assess current levels of cost-recovery;cost-recovery;

To support the selection of a programme of measures for To support the selection of a programme of measures for each river basin district on the basis of each river basin district on the basis of cost-effectiveness cost-effectiveness criteria;criteria;

To assess the potential role of To assess the potential role of pricing pricing in these programmes in these programmes of measures – implications on cost-recovery;of measures – implications on cost-recovery;

To estimate the need for potential (time and objective) To estimate the need for potential (time and objective) derogation from the Directive’s environmental objectives derogation from the Directive’s environmental objectives based on assessment of based on assessment of costs and benefits costs and benefits and and costs costs of of alternatives for providing the same beneficial objective;alternatives for providing the same beneficial objective;

Page 34: 1 INTRODUCTION TO THE WATER FRAMEWORK DIRECTIVE (WFD)

3434

Functions of Economic analysis in the Functions of Economic analysis in the WFDWFD

To assess possible derogation resulting from new To assess possible derogation resulting from new activities and modifications, based on assessment activities and modifications, based on assessment of of costs and benefits costs and benefits and costs of alternatives for and costs of alternatives for providing the same beneficial objective;providing the same beneficial objective;

To evaluate the costs of process and control To evaluate the costs of process and control measures to identify a measures to identify a cost-effective cost-effective way to control way to control priority substances.priority substances.