Identification of water bodies

Whilst large water-bodies can easily be identified, there is a need to establish thresholds for defining small waterbodies. These will be be identified and further characterised in second stage of the characterisation process as permitted under the WFD

UKTAG guidance is provided below on the approach of identifying small water bodies for inclusion or otherwise in the initial characterisation process.

Also provided below is Guidance WP6a (01)providing advice on identification groundwater bodies on islands. Note: Identification of groundwater bodies in general is listed under typology of water bodies.

A requirement of the characterisation is the preliminary identification of groundwater bodies for which less stringent objectives may be set. Guidance WP13b provides an outline of the technical criteria that supported this process. As part of the development of river basin plans and programme of measures, other costs and technical tests will need to be applied prior to a final list being developed (anticipated 2008).