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The timetable for implementation of the Water Framework Directive is outlined below, up to the end of the third cycle, in 2027. Submissions to the European Commission are highlighted.

Date Requirement
December 2003  • Bring Directive into domestic law
(Article 24 of the WFD requires this)
   • Define River Basin Districts (RBDs)
December 2004  • Complete first analysis of physical characteristics of the RBDs (Art. 5) and assessment of pollution, human and other impacts on them
   • Establish a register of protected areas in each RBD (Art. 6 and 7)
December 2005  • Identify significant upward trends in groundwater and establish trend reversal (Art. 17)
   • Classification of water body status
December 2006  • Establish environmental monitoring programmes (Art. 8)
   • Publish a work programme for producing the first River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) (Art. 14)
   • Establish Environmental Quality Standards for priority substances and controls on principal sources (Art. 16)
December 2007  • Publish an interim overview of the significant water management issues in each RBD for general consultation (Art. 14)
December 2008  • Publish draft RBMPs for consultation (Art. 14)
December 2009  • Finalise and publish first RBMPs (Art. 13)
   • Finalise a programme of measures to meet objectives and include a summary of first RBMPs (Art. 11)
December 2010  • Ensure water pricing policies are in place (Art. 9)
December 2012  • Ensure all programmes of measures are fully operational (Art. 11)
   • Publish timetable and work programme for second RBMPs
   • Report progress in implementing the first RBMPs (Art. 15)
December 2013 Review progress of the first RBMP cycle:
   • Review characterisation and impact assessments for RBDs and the economic analysis of water use
   • Publish an interim overview of the significant water management issues to be addressed in the second RBMPs
December 2014  • Publish second draft RBMPs for consultation
December 2015  • Achieve environmental objectives specified in first RBMPs (Art. 4)
   • Finalise and publish second RBMPs with revised programme of measures
  End of 1st cycle
December 2021  • Achieve environmental objectives specified in second RBMPs
   • Finalise and publish third RBMPs with revised programme of measures
  End of 2nd cycle
December 2027  • Achieve environmental objectives specified in third RBMPs
  End of 3rd cycle

Sources: Environment Agency WFD timetable; Water UK

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© Water UK

Fri 25 Jul 2008, 9:00
http://www.water.org.uk/home/policy/water-framework-directive/milestones