ntr156-C_2021118EN.01000101-E0156
(156) Article 4(1) of the Water Framework Directive refers to three categories of objectives. Article 4(1)(a) refers to surface water objectives; Article 4(1)(b) refers to groundwater objectives; and Article 4(1)(c) refers to protected areas. The objectives of the Water Framework Directive include preventing the deterioration of the status of, and achieving the good status of, surface waters and groundwaters; and achieving compliance with Union law with regard to protected areas (where water bodies are relevant to these). Status in the Water Framework Directive is defined by reference to quality elements for surface water and groundwater. The objectives of Article 4(1)(c) are not reflected in the status definition of surface waters: none of the elements refer to this provision. In contrast, however, the objectives of Article 4(1)(c) are implicit in the chemical [and quantitative] status definition for groundwaters. In particular, chemical status relates to compliance with Union and national standards for chemicals and to ensuring that pollution is not such as to hamper the achievement of [all] objectives of the Water Framework Directive for associated surface waters. The objectives of Article 4(1)(c) in relation to protected areas are thus addressed in the chemical status of groundwaters. Thus, although the Groundwater Directive does not directly address groundwater microbiological pollutants (there are no Union or national standards for these), microbiological pollution will be covered if it hampers the achievement of the objectives of Article 4(1)(c). In this context, protected areas for drinking water will be relevant. Protected areas for bathing may also be relevant.
Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-09-25 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.