The Objectives of the WFD are:

To protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems (including terrestrial ecosystems and wetlands directly dependent on aquatic ecosystems)

• To promote sustainable water use based on long-term protection of available water resources
• To provide for sufficient supply of good quality surface water and groundwater as needed for sustainable, balanced and equitable water use
• To provide for enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment by reducing/phasing out of discharges, emissions and losses of priority substances.
•  To contribute to mitigating the effects of floods and droughts.
• To protect territorial and marine waters.
•  To establish a register of ‘Protected Areas’.  

The WFD initiative applies to all Europe’s groundwaters, rivers, lakes,  transitional (estuaries) and costal waters.

An Taisce is taking the positive position with the WFD and is confident that if Ireland embraces the letter and the spirit of the legislation, it will secure a sustainable water resource into the future. To this end, An Taisce is participating in most of the RBD Project Management Groups and the RBD Advisory Councils, and is active in the Sustainable Water Network (SWAN).  SWAN is promotes ecologically sustainable management of our aquatic resources through active participation in the implementation of the WFD.