This dataset shows the boundaries and baseline classification, undertaken in 2021, for The Water Framework Directive (WFD) Cycle 3. It is an update in classification for all water bodies in Wales following on from the cycle 1 and cycle 2 classification rounds.

The Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) (England & Wales) Regulations 2017 (referred to as the WFD Regulations) provide a framework for managing the water environment in England and Wales. The Directive aims for “good status” of all ground and surface water (rivers, lakes, transitional water, and coastal waters). Under the WFD Regulations, a river basin management plan must be prepared for each river basin district. The plan includes environmental objectives and a summary of the programmes of measures required to achieve those objectives.

All waterbodies have been assessed and are included within the local River Basin Management Plan (RBMP). NRW updates the classification every 3 years. The Cycle 3 Interim classification will be available in 2024. It will be published in tabular format on Water Watch Wales. It can then be joined to the WFD water bodies, if required.