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Water Framework Directive Classification Item Hierarchy

Publisher
Environment Agency
Updated
6 August 2026
Topic
Not set

Summary

PLEASE NOTE: This dataset has been retired and superseded by the following record: https://environment.data.gov.uk/dataset/d8421893-ff04-492c-8d29-caa89f17397e. This spreadsheet defines the relationships between Water Framework Directive (WFD) classification items. Classifications are arranged according to the classification hierarchy. Data are sourced from the Environment Agency Catchment Planning System (CPS). A classification item is any entity that receives an environmental classification score. At the core of classification is Element, this is generally an individual substance, biological entity or test. Elements are grouped together to form Components, for example biological elements are grouped into the component 'Biological quality elements' component. Some elements are split into Sub Elements for example Fish Element is split into individual fish species Sub Elements. At the top level is the overall waterbody. This is the headline classification for a waterbody. Additional information about how classification works is available on page 6: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503282/RBMP_Guide_to_accessing_data_and_information.pdf Attribution statement: © Environment Agency copyright and/or database right 2016. All rights reserved.

Data links

Link Format Preview Updated
Water_Framework_Directive_Classification_Item_Hierarchy.xlsx XLSX 6/8/2026

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Additional information

Source Metadata
XML, HTML
Date added
06 August 2026
Harvest GUID
6d54d4f3-a732-4878-a130-1be9731e32ca
Extent (Latitude)
55.816° to 49.943°
Extent (Longitude)
-6.236° to 2.072°
Spatial reference system
http://www.opengis.net/def/crs/EPSG/0/27700
Dataset reference date (creation)
2016-04-18
Dataset reference date (publication)
2016-04-18
Dataset reference date (revision)
2025-07-25
Frequency of update
asNeeded
Access constraints
There are no public access constraints to this data. Use of this data is subject to the licence identified.
Responsible party
Environment Agency (pointOfContact)
ISO 19139 resource type
dataset
Metadata language
eng

Contact

Enquiries

DSPcustomerforum@environment-agency.gov.uk

Freedom of information (FOI) requests

enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk

Freedom of Information (FOI) requests

Licence information

Open Government Licence