EU water framework directive : measurement tools and water status evaluation

The EU water framework directive establishes objectives and methods to protect and restore a good water status. To this end, the directive presents novel approaches to evaluate water status, by : taking both ecological and chemical statuses into account, - comparing observed water status with a reference status in the absence of anthropogenic alterations. The process of evaluating water status starts with data collection, through ecological survey programs. Measurement tools (metrics and indices) are then used to transform these data into values that are meaningful to evaluation of quality of each water category (inland surface waters, coastal waters and underwater); these values are finally converted into water status classes using evaluation rules. The French "Water Status Evaluation System" project (Systeme d'Evaluation de l'Etat des Eaux, SEEE), launched in spring 2007, establishes methods and tools consistent with this approach. It brings together numerous partners to propose a comprehensive framework to the public and managers, in order to understand and analyze water status. The SEEE will also reinforce and improve our expertise in terms of water status evaluation in the near future.