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url: https://www.eurocovers.eu/glossary/eu-water-framework-directive
term: EU Water Framework Directive (WFD)
definition: EU Directive 2000/60/EC establishing the framework for community action in the field of water policy. Sets targets for ecological status of surface and groundwater.
updated: 2026-05-25
---

# EU Water Framework Directive (WFD)

EU Directive 2000/60/EC establishing the framework for community action in the field of water policy. Sets targets for ecological status of surface and groundwater.

The **EU Water Framework Directive (WFD)** is Directive 2000/60/EC, the foundational EU water
policy. It requires member states to achieve "good ecological status" for surface waters and "good
chemical status" for groundwater. For industrial water operators, floating covers contribute to
compliance via reduced abstraction (less make-up water required), reduced chemical treatment (less
algae load reaching treatment), and reduced point-source emissions on wastewater plants.