Surface water quality: Policy

Policy

The policy objective is to achieve concentrations of undesirable substances below the maximum allowable concentration (fresh water) and target values (marine water). The government's aim is to use the source reduction policy to limit emissions, for example by entering into international treaties with, among others, Germany, Belgium and France. The treatment of wastewater flows is one of the focuses of the national effect reduction policy.
The European Water Framework Directive states that the ecological condition of the surface water must be good in 2015. Specific standards still have to be drawn up in this area.
In the case of marine water, there are no standards for nutrients. The fourth Water Management Policy Document (Ministry of Transport and Public Works, 1998) only includes background concentrations. The government has adopted the goal of reducing concentrations to a level at which there will be no negative impact on the ecosystem of the North Sea.

Standards

The following standards have been adopted:

• MAC - The maximum allowable concentration is the scientifically-derived value for a substance that indicates the concentration at which no adverse effect is expected from that substance. For substances that occur naturally, background levels are taken into account. The aim of the policy in 2000 was to achieve the MAC in all fresh waters.
• Desired quality standard - The value which indicates a negligible impact on the environment. This value is usually derived from the MAC; for substances that occur naturally, background levels are taken into account. The aim of the policy for fresh waters is to achieve the desired quality standard where possible in 2010. The desired quality standard is already the objective for marine water.
• Bathing water standard - Quality level for surface water used for public bathing.
• Fishing water standard - Quality level for surface water if used for fishing.
• Shellfish water standard - Separate standards, mostly microbiological, are in force for water used for shellfish culture (European directive and Surface Water Quality Objectives and Measurements Decree).

References

• Ministry of Transport and Public Works (1998). Fourth Water Management Policy Document, government decision. Ministry of Transport and Public Works, The Hague.
• European directive 79/923/EEC.
• Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees (1983). Surface Water Quality Objectives and Measurements Decree. Bulletin of Acts, Orders and Decrees 03-11-1983

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• See the surface water quality index for an overview of data about surface water.
• Emissions into water in the Netherlands, 1990-2001
• Discharges into water and burden on surface water in the Netherlands, 1990, 1995, 1999 and 2000
• Environmental pressure in the Netherlands, Eutrophication theme: introduction and policy

Relevant information outside of the Environmental Data Compendium

• More information about the monitoring of nationally managed waters.
• Information about current and future developments can be found in Environmental Balance 2002 and National Environmental Outlook 2000-2030.