What are the benefits of the WFD?

Implementation of the WFD will provide numerous environmental, social and economic benefits:

Environmental

• Improved protection and enhancement of the water environment leading to cleaner and healthier rivers, lochs, estuaries and coastal waters
• Promotion of more efficient uses of water to reduce pressure on the water environment
• Effective and more sustainable water management

Social

• Increased opportunities for getting involved and influencing how the water environment is managed
• Improvement in the quality of information available about UKs? water environment and how it is managed
• Safeguards the water environment for sustainable use and enjoyment

Economic

• Delivers a proportionate and cost-effective approach to water protection and improvement that will avoid unnecessary administrative and financial burdens being placed on industry and other water users
• Enables the right balance to be struck between social economic and environmental considerations in setting environmental objectives
• Enhances UK overall environmental reputation