Water Framework Directive
Water protection structures
(B) Protected areas
The Water Framework Directive considers certain aquatic environments or areas in a specific way in view of the reinforced protection which it provides for them as much as of that results from other European legislation (Article 6). This relates inter alia to waters used for the abstraction of water for human consumption providing more than 10m3 a day or serving more than 50 persons as well as to bodies of water intended for such future use (Article 7(1)).The “framework” dimension of Directive 2000/60/EC (WFD) is confirmed by its relying for its own purposes upon certain areas designated for special protection under Directives providing for the protection of surface water and groundwater, for the conservation of habitats and species, as well as bathing waters or those deemed vulnerable for the purpose of urban waste-water treatment.
In each river basin district, registers must be established, updated, and inserted in the river basin district management plan, and they must include maps showing the location of each protected area (Article 6 and Annex IV).