The Surface Waters (River Ecosystem) (Classification) Regulations 1994

Explanatory Note

(This note is not part of the Regulations)

These Regulations prescribe a system of classifying the general quality of inland freshwaters which are relevant rivers or watercourses (as defined in section 104 of the Water Resources Act 1991 (“the Act”)). The system, which consists of five classes ranging in order of decreasing quality from RE1 to RE5, will be used for establishing quality objectives under section 83 of the Act.

Compliance with the requirements prescribed for each classification is determined in accordance with procedures and by reference to principles set out in a document dated 30th March 1994 and entitled “Water Quality Objectives: Procedures used by the National Rivers Authority for the purpose of the Surface Waters (River Ecosystem) (Classification) Regulations 1994”. Copies of the document may be inspected free of charge at, and obtained from, the regional offices of the National Rivers Authority.

A compliance cost assessment in respect of these Regulations may be btained from Water Quality Division, Department of the Environment, Room 412, Romney House, 43 Marsham Street, London SW1P 3PY, or Environment Division, Welsh Office, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF1 3NQ.