The second six-year water management cycle will end during the month of December and a now one will start at 2016. At the end of this cycle, all so called surface water bodies shall have reached the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) “good ecological status” or “good ecological potential”. Moreover, no surface water body that have been classified to “high ecological status” or “potential” shall get a lower/worse rating. In certain exceptions, the timing for achieving the EQS can be postponed until the next work cycle, i.e. 2021, or even the one after that (2027) if justified with good arguments.
Facing the forthcoming management cycle, year 2016-2021, action programs, new EQS and management plans should be established in December 2015. The Swedish water authorities have completed their consultation period and are now waiting for Government consideration.
For more information, visit the Swedish water authorities and read the water framework directive.
Photo: Nicklas Wijkmark