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Aquatic Classification

There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately).

There are a number of significant environmental problems caused by a number of pressures, including diffuse and point source pollution, alterations to beds, banks and shores, alterations to water levels and flows and the presence of invasive non-native species. In order to measure these pressures and their potential effects, we use an aquatic classification system which covers rivers, lochs, estuaries, coastal and groundwater bodies. These are split into management units called water bodies, with a classification produced for each body (the number of water bodies between years varies slightly, as some water body boundaries are reviewed to ensure that they can be managed appropriately). We produce an annual Water Framework Directive (WFD) Classification for all the water bodies in Scotland. Classification results for 2007 to the current year can be found on the Water Classification Hub. Read the State of Scotland's Water Environment 2024 summary report (MS Word, 1.17 MB). Most of our water environment is already in a good condition and subject to fewer pressures than most other E

Engineering

Regulation of engineering works in the water environment and the application process.

Regulation of engineering works in the water environment and the application process. We are transitioning to a new website, and the content from this section will has now moved to our BETA site. Please go to our Authorisations and Compliance section to find information on applying for waste activities authorisations and information on how the EASR regulations may impact you/your authorisation. If the information you are looking for is not part of EASR, you may find it in our

Shellfish water protected areas

Legislation directs SEPA to assess and classify each shellfish protected area. To deliver this we work closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). FSS sample, analyse and report water quality in production areas throughout the year to ensure shellfish are safe for consumption, or determine if they require further treatment. At the end of each year FSS provide SEPA with this data who use it to clas

Bathing Waters

The Bathing Water Directive is concerned with the quality of bathing waters, including the sea, inland lochs and rivers. Water quality samples are taken at each bathing water throughout the bathing season EU water quality classifications are calculated at the end of the season and apply to each bathing water for the duration of the following season.

The Bathing Water Directive is concerned with the quality of bathing waters, including the sea, inland lochs and rivers. Water quality samples are taken at each bathing water throughout the bathing season EU water quality classifications are calculated at the end of the season and apply to each bathing water for the duration of the following season. Legislation directs SEPA to assess and classify each shellfish protected area. To deliver this we work closely with Food Standards Scotland (FSS). FSS sample, analyse and report water quality in production areas throughout the year to ensure shellfish are safe for consumption, or determine if they require further treatment. At the end of each year FSS provide SEPA with this data who use it to clas

Previous classification schemes

Before the introduction of the Water Framework Directive, SEPA had a number of classification schemes which we used to report the status of Scotland's water environment.

Before the introduction of the Water Framework Directive, SEPA had a number of classification schemes which we used to report the status of Scotland's water environment. Before the introduction of the Water Framework Directive, SEPA had a number of classification schemes which we used to report the status of Scotland's water environment. Classification schemes Coastal water quality Estuarine water quality Loch water quality River water quality Water quality classification results 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 1996 - 2000 classifications River classification E

Monitoring

We have three categories of monitoring which have different but complementary purposes: surveillance, operational and investigative. This strategy ensures we are collecting the right information in the right place and allows us to concentrate our effort on the greatest risks to the environment.

We have three categories of monitoring which have different but complementary purposes: surveillance, operational and investigative. This strategy ensures we are collecting the right information in the right place and allows us to concentrate our effort on the greatest risks to the environment. We have many years of experience in monitoring and protecting the aquatic environment. In 2007, the Water Framework Directive (WFD) introduced the need for a broader, more holistic approach to monitoring and classifying Scotland’s aquatic environment. Its aim is to use data collected to protect and improve water bodies in order that they meet good ecological status, or similar objective. This moni

River Basin Management Planning

An introduction to our river basin planning work.

An introduction to our river basin planning work. River basin management planning (RBMP) protects and improves Scotland’s water environment for the benefit of people, wildlife and the economy. Much of the water environment in Scotland is in good condition. However, there are still significant problems affecting water quality, physical condition, water resources, and the migration of wild fish. The River Basin Management Plans for Scotland set ou

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