Water Framework Directive
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a new legislative framework for the protection, improvement and sustainable use of waters – rivers, lakes, coastal waters, estuaries and groundwater – across Europe in order to prevent deterioration and enhance status of aquatic ecosystems; promote sustainable water use; reduce pollution; and contribute to the mitigation of floods and droughts.
Groundwater Bodies – delineation and description
The groundwater body (GWB) is the management unit under the WFD that is necessary for the subdivision of large geographical areas of aquifer in order for them to be effectively managed. GWB delineation methodology is described in the document, “Approach to Delineation of Groundwater Bodies”, Guidance Document GW2, GWWG.
Descriptions for each GWB were developed by the GSI, and augmented by the RBD consultants. A small number of conceptual models were developed which fit the limited range of situations encountered in Ireland; each GWB was informally allocated to one of these. The groundwater body descriptions are available here.
Key datasets and reports completed or undertaken by the GSI, RBD consultants, and others, as part of the are also available as PDF downloads from the Irish WFD site
For more information see article in Geology Matters Newsletter Issue 6.