Guidance on establishing reference conditions and ecological status class boundaries for inland surface waters

This document aims at guiding experts and stakeholders in the implementation of the Directive 2000/60/EC establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (the Water Framework Directive - "the Directive"). It focuses on the implementation of the Annexes II and V with special emphasis on inland surface waters and methods and principles for the establishment of reference conditions and class boundaries between high, good and moderate ecological status. If this is your task, we believe the guidance will help you in doing the job, whether you are: o Establishing reference conditions and ecological status class boundaries for inland surface waters yourself or participating in the process as a stakeholder; o Leading and managing experts undertaking the ecological status analysis; o Using the results of the ecological status analysis for taking part to the policy making process; or o Reporting on the ecological status analysis to the European Union as required by the Directive