Water Framework Directive/ Water Protection

Water Framework Directive

The European Water Framework Directive (WFD), which has been in force since the end of 2000, requires the so-called "good status" for groundwater and surface waters. In Hessen, too, numerous water bodies are not yet in good condition. On the basis of an inventory, the results of water body monitoring, the important water management issues, the deficit analysis and the concrete management objectives, a management plan specific to Hessen and an initial programme of measures for the 2009 -2015 management cycle were drawn up. Currently, the management plan and the programme of measures are in the 2nd management cycle 2015 - 2021.

In accordance with the legal basis, these were again established after completion of the required participation procedure and published in the State Gazette for the State of Hesse. They are thus binding for all planning and measures of the public planning authorities, represent an important working basis for water management for the years until 2021 and create the prerequisites for achieving the objectives specified by the WFD.

Water protection

The quality and quantity of drinking water are subject to ever-increasing and changing demands. The most important factors, such as population and commercial development, pollutant inputs from industry and agriculture, and in the future much more clearly also the effects of climate change, require forward-looking management of groundwater based on sustainability. The protection and sustainable management of groundwater are important tasks.