- 4.2.1 significant flow

 

The significance of groundwater flow should be understood in the context of the purpose and provisions of the Directive. Accordingly, a significant flow of groundwater is one that, were it from reaching an associated surface water body or a directly dependant terrestrial ecosystem, would result in a significant diminution in the ecological or chemical quality of that surface water body or significant damage to the directly dependent terrestrial ecosystems.

A key purpose of the Directive is to prevent further deterioration of, and protect and enhance the status of aquatic ecosystems, and with regard to their water needs, terrestrial ecosystems directly depending on aquatic ecosystems. The objective of protecting and restoring good groundwater status is designed to help achieve this purpose. It applies to all bodies of groundwater. Consequently, to ensure that the purpose of the Directive can be achieved, the definition of significant flow must encompass all groundwater flow that is important to aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Geological strata that permit such flow should therefore qualify as aquifers.