Based on the water monitoring results and the corresponding assessment methods, the water bodies have been categorized regarding their status. In order to achieve the main objective of the WFD, the good chemical and ecological status respectively the good ecological potential of all surface water bodies, as well as the good chemical and quantitative status of all groundwater bodies, secondary objectives were derived and the measures necessary for their achievement formulated. The WFD distinguishes between basic and additional measures (Article 11 para. 3 and 4).

Basic measures

Basic measures comprise those EC Directives which establish the contentual and legal implementation, such as measures in terms of water protection for drinking water production, or discharge limitation from point sources of pollution.

Additional measures

Additional measures are introduced in case that the good status or good ecological potential cannot be achieved only by basic measures which have been taken as a starting point. Not only administrative steps are to be understood thereunder, but also conceptual measures as well as construction and restoration projects.

Concrete programs of measures in the states of the RBD Weser were elaborated on regional level in cooperation and close consultation with the persons responsible for measures and users. Programs of measures have to be considered as a whole, since some measures, such as those concerning water structure and pollution inputs can be combined with each other in order to reach synergy effects. Those measures affecting various pressures are also priority due to their high cost efficiency.

There are also conceptual measures, which can affect both surface water bodies and groundwater bodies in various pressures. They comprise, for instance, information and education measures, voluntary cooperation or conduction of research projects. Such measures are assigned to corresponding pressures, when required. Conceptual measures carry great weight also in the RBD Weser. They are enforced in many planning units (in terms of surface water bodies) and sub units (in terms of groundwater bodies).