The EC Water Framework Directive applies to all member states and their regions. However the transposition and implementation of the Directive in the United Kingdom is a devolved matter. Policy responsibility for the implementation of the WFD in the four devolved areas lies with:

Defra (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in  England
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/quality/water/wfd/index.htm

The Scottish Government in Scotland
(http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Environment)

The Welsh Assembly Government in Wales
(http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/environmentcountryside/?lang=en)

The Department of the Environment Northern Ireland
(http://www.doeni.gov.uk/index/protect_the_environment/water.htm)

The Secretary of State and Ministers set the policy framework and are responsible for approving objectives set out in River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs).

Much of the implementation work is undertaken by the Competent Authorities, which are:

The Environment Agency in England and Wales
(http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/planning/33362.aspx)

SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) in Scotland
(http://www.sepa.org.uk/water.aspx)

NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency)
(http://www.ni-environment.gov.uk/water.htm)

This section seeks to clarify the minor differences in the four devolved areas. To help with understanding of the WFD we have also included general information on each area relating to the water environment. Clicking on any of the bulleted highlights takes you to the next section.

• Scotland and the WFD
• England and the WFD
• Wales and the WFD
• Northern Ireland and the WFD

See also the following Information Note on this website:

The Water Framework Directive – how is it being implemented?