The Water Framework Directive (WFD) required Northern
Ireland to define both surface and groundwaters as a coherent set of
hydrological units. These units would
then be monitored and managed to prevent deterioration in water quality and
aquatic ecosystems through the implementation a programme of measures to drive
improvements. This map displays Northern
Ireland lakes which are greater than 50ha, which are assessed under WFD
legislation and have been reported to EU from 2016.