WFD - Exemptions

Warning

The online version of the text is being reviewed.
The questions raised in the WG DIS meeting 2026-04-22 regarding:

• Exemptions related to UWWT

• Exemptions related to protected areas

• Exemptions related to River Basin Specific Pollutants have not yet been addressed.

Reporting of Exemptions - 3rd cycle

• The information related to exemptions in the surface water methodologies schema (SWExemption class, see Figure 14) will no longer requested in the structured data reporting for the 4th cycle (i.e. the it is provided only in the RBMP documents).

• The information related to exemptions in the groundwater water methodologies schema (GWExemption class, see Figure 14). will no longer requested in the structured data reporting for the 4th cycle (i.e. it is provided only in the RBMP documents).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'default'}}%%
classDiagram 
namespace SWMET{
class SWExemptions ["«XSDcomplexType»
SWExemptions"]{
  «XSElement»
  + swExemption44Impact: SignificantImpactType_Enum [1..*]
  + swExemption44Driver: Driver_Enum [1..*]
  + swExemption45Impact: SignificantImpactType_Enum [1..*]
  + swExemption45Driver: Driver_Enum [1..*]
  + swDisproportionateCost: YesNoCode_Enum
  + swDisproportionateCostScale: GeographicalScale_Enum [0..*]
  + swDisproportionateCostAnalysis: DisproportionateCostAnalysis_Enum [0..*]
  + swDisproportionateCostAlternativeFinancing: DisproportionateCostAlternativeFinancing_Enum [0..*]
  + swDisproportionateCostOtherEULegislation: YesNoCode_Enum [0..1]
  + swTechnicalInfeasibility: TechnicalInfeasibility_Enum [1..*]
  + swNaturalConditions: SWNaturalConditions_Enum [1..*]
  + swExemption46: Exemption46_Enum [1..*]
  + swExemption47: Exemption47_Enum [1..*]
  + swExemptionsTransboundary: YesNoNotApplicable_Union_Enum
  + swExemptionsReference: ReferenceType [1..*]
  + driversSWExemptionsReference: ReferenceType [1..*]
}
}
namespace GWMET{
class GWExemptions["«XSDcomplexType» GWExemptions"]{
  «XSDElement»
  + gwExemption44Impact: SignificantImpactType_Enum [1..*]
  + gwExemption44Driver: Driver_Enum [1..*]
  + gwExemption45Impact: SignificantImpactType_Enum [1..*]
  + gwExemption45Driver: Driver_Enum [1..*]
  + gwDisproportionateCost: YesNoCode_Enum
  + gwDisproportionateCostScale: GeographicalScale_Enum [0..*]
  + gwDisproportionateCostAnalysis: DisproportionateCostAnalysis_Enum [0..*]
  + gwDisproportionateCostAlternativeFinancing: DisproportionateCostAlternativeFinancing_Enum [0..*]
  + gwDisproportionateCostOtherEULegislation: YesNoCode_Enum [0..1]
  + gwTechnicalInfeasibility: TechnicalInfeasibility_Enum [1..*]
  + gwNaturalConditions: GWNaturalConditions_Enum [1..*]
  + gwExemption46: Exemption46_Enum [1..*]
  + gwExemption47: Exemption47_Enum [1..*]
  + gwExemptionsTransboundary: YesNoNotApplicable_Union_Enum
  + gwExemptionsReference: ReferenceType [1..*]
  + driversGWExemptionsReference: ReferenceType [1..*]
}
}

    

Figure 14 SWExemptions and GWExemptions - 3rd cycle - OBSOLETE

Reporting of Exemptions - 4th cycle

The reporting of ecological, chemical and quantitative exemptions is aligned into tables with a similar structure:

• The waterbody to which the exemption applies is always identified.

• For ecological exemptions, the quality element is identified.

• For chemical exemptions, the substance is identified.

• For exemptions associated with protected areas were specific objectives were set but not met, the protected area is identified.

The remaining attributes (see Figure 15) identify the exemption type (exemptionType), the reason why it is applied (exemptionRationale), the expected exemption period (exemptionPeriod), and the significant pressure causing failure, if applicable (exemptionPressureType). Reference to additional information in the RBMPs documentation can be provided via the exemptionReference.

Ecological exemptions are only reported at quality element level, avoiding duplication.

The exemptionPeriod covers the period until good status is achieved (see Figure 25): this attribute replaces the former attributes swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialExpectedAchievementDate, swChemicalStatusExpectedAchievementDate, gwChemicalStatusExpectedAchievementDate and gwQuantitativeStatusExpectedAchievementDate.

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class Exemption ["«Abstract»
Exemption"]{
    / exemptionType : ExemptionType
    + exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [1..n]
    + exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod
    + exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
	+ exemptionPressureType : PressureType [0..n]
}
    

Figure 15 Exemption - 4th cycle - Abstract pattern for illustrative purposes

Surface Water Bodies - Ecological exemptions by Quality Element

Ecological exemptions are reported using the table in Figure 16.

Ecological exemptions are not applicable to Territorial Waters. For other surface water body categories, reporting is mandatory when the following conditions apply:

• the qeCode value starts with QE1 or qeCode starts with QE3

• and the quality element is causing failure to achieve good status, i.e. qeStatusOrPotentialValue in (3, 4, 5).

Ecological exemptions are reported at Quality Element level only:

• exemptions are not applicable to quality elements with unknown status

• exemptions are not applicable to quality elements not used in the ecological status assessment.

(Note that the duplicate reporting of the ecological exemptions - both at surface water body level and at quality element level - is removed in the revised model for the 4th cycle reporting.)

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class SWEcologicalExemption{
    + euSurfaceWaterBodyCode : wiseIdentifier
    + qeCode : QualityElement 
    / exemptionType : ExemptionType
    + exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [1..n]
    + exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod
    + exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
    + significantPressureType : PressureType [1..n]
}
    

Figure 16 Surface Water Body - Ecological Exemption - 4th cycle

The diagram below presents the applicability criteria for the different exemption types (Figure 17).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%

flowchart LR

%% Ecological Status Exemptions - Quality Elements
title@{ shape: braces, label: "Surface Water Ecological Status Exemptions at Quality Element level, for QE1% and QE3%" }

%% Defining the nodes
		
initial([start])
final([end])

%% duplicate nodes for just for flowchart readability
hasNoApplicableExemption_1("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed
hasNoApplicableExemption_2("no exemption required"):::stateBlue
hasNoApplicableExemption_3("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed

hasExemption44n("Article 4(4) - Extension of deadline (natural conditions)"):::state
hasExemption45("Article 4(5) - Less stringent objectives"):::state
hasExemption46("Article 4(6) - Temporary deterioration"):::state
hasExemption47("Article 4(7) - New modification/project"):::state

%% Defining the decisions

isStatusIn2027{"Ecological Status or Potential in 2027?"}
isDeteriorationExpected{"Deterioration expected beyond 2027?"}
isDeteriorationObserved{"Deterioration observed in 2027 or earlier?"}
isGoodStatusAchievable{"Is good status achievable?"}
isUnfeasibleOrCostly{"Are measures unfeasible or disproportionately costly?"}
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions{"Delay due to natural conditions?"}

%% Flow to TERMINATORS

initial --> isStatusIn2027
hasNoApplicableExemption_1 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_2 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_3 --> final
hasExemption47 --> final 
hasExemption46 --> final 
hasExemption45 --> final 
hasExemption44n --> final 

%% THE IMPORTANT PART STARTS HERE

%% NO EXEMPTION POSSIBLE - If the status is unknown, then exemptions cannot be reported
isStatusIn2027 ==>|"unknown"|hasNoApplicableExemption_1

%% NO EXEMPTION NEEDED - if the status is not failing and no deterioration is expected, then no exemption is needed
isStatusIn2027 ==>|"not failing [ high OR maximum OR good ]"|isDeteriorationExpected
isDeteriorationExpected ==>|no|hasNoApplicableExemption_2

%% ARTICLE 4(7) - DETERIORATION DUE TO NEW MODIFICATION OR PROJECT
isDeteriorationExpected ==>|"yes [new modification OR sustainable human development]"|hasExemption47

%% ARTICLE 4(6) - DETERIORATION DUE TO ACCIDENTS OR FORCE MAJEURE OR NATURAL CAUSES
isStatusIn2027 ==>|"failing [ moderate OR poor OR bad OR lessThanGood ]"|isDeteriorationObserved
isDeteriorationObserved ==>|"yes [new modification OR sustainable human development]"|hasExemption47
isDeteriorationObserved ==>|"yes [accidents OR force majeure OR natural causes]"|hasExemption46
isDeteriorationObserved ==>|no|isGoodStatusAchievable

%% ARTICLE 4(5) - LESS STRINGENT OBJECTIVES
isGoodStatusAchievable ==>|no|isUnfeasibleOrCostly
isUnfeasibleOrCostly ==> |yes|hasExemption45
isUnfeasibleOrCostly ==> |no|hasNoApplicableExemption_3

%% ARTICLE 4(4) EXTENSION OF DEADLINE - NATURAL CONDITIONS
isGoodStatusAchievable ==>|yes|isDelayDueToNaturalConditions
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions ==>|no|hasNoApplicableExemption_3
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions ==>|yes|hasExemption44n

%% styling
classDef state stroke-width:4px,fill:transparent
classDef stateRed stroke:red,fill:transparent
classDef stateBlue stroke:blue,fill:transparent
    

Figure 17 Surface Water Body - Ecological Exemption Decision Tree - 4th cycle

Surface Water Bodies - Chemical exemptions by Priority Substance

Chemical exemptions are reported using the table in Figure 18.

Reporting is mandatory if the following conditions apply:

• the swPollutantCode value is a 2013 Priority Substance

• all the Priority Substance is causing failure to achieve good status (i.e. swPollutantCausingFailure = ‘Yes’).

Chemical exemptions are reported at Pollutant level only:

• exemptions are only applicable to priority substances

• exemptions are not applicable to substances with unknown status.

Article 4(7) exemptions may be applicable for indirect deterioration of chemical status, where it is the indirect result of modifications to physical characteristics (Article 4(7), first indent).

In the 4th cycle of reporting, exemptions associated with river basin specific pollutants are reported as exemptions associated with the quality element “QE3-3 - River Basin Specific Pollutants”.

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class SWChemicalExemption{
    + euSurfaceWaterBodyCode : wiseIdentifier
    + swPollutantCode : Substance
    / exemptionType : ExemptionType
    + exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [1..n]
    + exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod
    + exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
    + significantPressureType : PressureType [1..n]
}
    

Figure 18 Surface Water Body - Chemical Exemption - 4th cycle

The diagram below presents the applicability criteria for the different exemption types (Figure 19).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%

flowchart LR

%% Surface Water Chemical Exemptions and Groundwater Chemical Exemptions
title@{ shape: braces, label: "Surface Water Chemical Exemptions and Groundwater Chemical Exemptions" }

%% Defining the nodes
		
initial([start])
final([end])

%% duplicate nodeS for just for flowchart readability
hasNoApplicableExemption_1("no exemption required"):::stateBlue
hasNoApplicableExemption_2("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed
hasNoApplicableExemption_3("no exemption required"):::stateBlue
hasNoApplicableExemption_4("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed
hasNoApplicableExemption_5("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed

hasExemption44("Article 4(4) - Extension of deadline"):::state
hasExemption45("Article 4(5) - Less stringent objectives"):::state
hasExemption46("Article 4(6) - Temporary deterioration"):::state
hasExemption47("Article 4(7) - New modification/project"):::state

%% Defining the decisions

%% WE NEED THE LISTS!
is2026Substance{"2008 or 2013 priority substance?"}
is2013Substance{"2013 substance?"}

isCausingFailureIn2027{"Causing failure in 2027?"}
isDeteriorationExpected{"Deterioration expected beyond 2027?"}
isDeteriorationObserved{"Deterioration observed in 2027 or earlier?"}
isGoodStatusAchievable{"Is good status achievable?"}
isUnfeasibleOrCostly{"Are measures unfeasible or disproportionately costly?"}
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions{"Delay due to natural conditions?"}
isDelayDueToFeasibilityOrCost{"Delay due to technical feasibility OR disproportionate cost?"}

%% Flow to TERMINATORS

initial --> is2026Substance
hasNoApplicableExemption_1 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_2 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_3 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_4 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_5 --> final

hasExemption47 --> final 
hasExemption46 --> final 
hasExemption45 --> final 
hasExemption44 --> final 

%% THE IMPORTANT PART STARTS HERE

%% EXEMPTIONS DON'T APPLY TO 2026 SUBSTANCES
is2026Substance ==> |no| hasNoApplicableExemption_1
is2026Substance ==> |yes| isCausingFailureIn2027

%% NO EXEMPTION POSSIBLE - If the status is unknown, then exemptions cannot be reported
isCausingFailureIn2027 ==> |unknown| hasNoApplicableExemption_2

%% NO EXEMPTION NEEDED - if the status is not failing and no deterioration is expected, then no exemption is needed
isCausingFailureIn2027 ==> |no| isDeteriorationExpected
isDeteriorationExpected ==> |no| hasNoApplicableExemption_3

%% ARTICLE 4(7) - DETERIORATION DUE TO NEW MODIFICATION OR PROJECT
isDeteriorationExpected ==> |"yes [new modification OR sustainable human development]"| hasExemption47

%% ARTICLE 4(6) - DETERIORATION DUE TO ACCIDENTS OR FORCE MAJEURE OR NATURAL CAUSES
isCausingFailureIn2027 ==> |yes| isDeteriorationObserved
isDeteriorationObserved ==> |"yes [new modification OR sustainable human development]"| hasExemption47
isDeteriorationObserved ==> |"yes [accidents OR force majeure OR natural causes]"| hasExemption46
isDeteriorationObserved ==> |no| isGoodStatusAchievable

%% ARTICLE 4(5) - LESS STRINGENT OBJECTIVES
isGoodStatusAchievable ==>|no|isUnfeasibleOrCostly
isUnfeasibleOrCostly ==> |yes|hasExemption45
isUnfeasibleOrCostly ==> |no|hasNoApplicableExemption_4

%% ARTICLE 4(4) EXTENSION OF DEADLINE - NATURAL CONDITIONS
isGoodStatusAchievable ==> |yes| isDelayDueToNaturalConditions
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions ==> |yes| hasExemption44

%% ARTICLE 4(5) EXTENSION OF DEADLINE - FEASIBILITY OR COST - ONLY FOR 2013 SUBSTANCES
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions ==> |no| isDelayDueToFeasibilityOrCost
isDelayDueToFeasibilityOrCost ==> |yes| is2013Substance

is2013Substance ==> |yes| hasExemption44
is2013Substance ==> |no| hasNoApplicableExemption_5

isDelayDueToFeasibilityOrCost ==> |no| hasNoApplicableExemption_5

%% styling
classDef state stroke-width:4px,fill:transparent
classDef stateRed stroke:red,fill:transparent
classDef stateBlue stroke:blue,fill:transparent
    

Figure 19 Surface Water Body - Chemical Exemption Decision Tree - 4th cycle

Surface Water Bodies - Protected area exemptions

Specific objectives may be set for waterbodies associated with some types of protected areas:

• Shellfish designated waters

• Drinking water protection areas

• Natura 2000 protected sites included in the WFD register of protected areas

If the specific objectives have not been met, then exemptions may be reported. (Note that the euProtectedAreaCode value is only requested for Natura 2000 sites.)

Based on the data reported in the 3rd cycle, it is likely that the number of exemptions is relatively low. Therefore the attributes of related to exemptions were simply added to the SWAssociatedProtectedArea table (Figure 20).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class SWAssociatedProtectedArea{
	+ euSurfaceWaterBodyCode : wiseIdentifier
	+ euProtectedAreaType : ProtectedAreaType 
	+ euProtectedAreaCode : wiseIdentifier [0..1]
	+ protectedAreaObjectivesSet : YesNo
	+ protectedAreaObjectivesMet : YesNoUnknown
	/ exemptionType : ExemptionType [0..1]
	+ exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [0..n]
	+ exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod [0..1]
	+ exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
	   } 
    

Figure 20 Surface Water Body - Associated Protected Area Exemption - 4th cycle

Groundwater Bodies - Chemical exemptions by Pollutant

Chemical exemptions are reported using the table in Figure 21.

Reporting is mandatory if the following condition applies:

• the substance is causing failure to achieve good status (i.e. gwPollutantCausingFailure = ‘Yes’).

Chemical exemptions are reported at Pollutant level only:

• exemptions are not applicable to substances with unknown status.

Article 4(7) exemptions may be applicable for indirect deterioration of chemical status, where it is the indirect result of modifications to physical characteristics (Article 4(7), first indent).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class GWChemicalExemption{
	+ euGroundWaterBodyCode : wiseIdentifier
	+ gwPollutantCode : Substance
	/ exemptionType : ExemptionType
	+ exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [1..n]
	+ exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod
	+ exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
	+ significantPressureType : PressureType [1..n]
}
    

Figure 21 Groundwater Body - Chemical Exemption - 4th cycle

The diagram with the criteria applicable to surface water chemical exemptions (Figure 19) is also applicable to groundwater bodies: note that, for groundwater, chemical exemptions can be applied to any groundwater pollutant.

Groundwater Bodies - Quantitative exemptions

Quantitative exemptions are reported using the table in Figure 22.

Reporting is mandatory if the following conditions apply:

• the waterbody is failing to achieve good quantitative status

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class GWQuantitativeExemption{
	+ euGroundWaterBodyCode : wiseIdentifier
	/ exemptionType : ExemptionType
	+ exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [1..n]
	+ exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod
	+ exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
	+ significantPressureType : PressureType [1..n]
}
    

Figure 22 Groundwater Body - Quantitative Exemption - 4th cycle

The diagram below presents the applicability criteria for the different exemption types (Figure 23).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%

flowchart LR

%% Groundwater Quantitative Status Exemptions
title@{ shape: braces, label: "Groundwater Quantitative Status Exemptions" }

%% Defining the nodes
		
initial([start])
final([end])

%% duplicate nodeS for just for flowchart readability
hasNoApplicableExemption_1("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed
hasNoApplicableExemption_2("no exemption required"):::stateBlue
hasNoApplicableExemption_3("no exemption applicable"):::stateRed

hasExemption44n("Article 4(4) - Extension of deadline (natural conditions)"):::state
hasExemption45("Article 4(5) - Less stringent objectives"):::state
hasExemption46("Article 4(6) - Temporary deterioration"):::state
hasExemption47("Article 4(7) - New modification/project"):::state

%% Defining the decisions

isQuantitativeStatusIn2027{"Quantitative Status in 2027?"}
isDeteriorationExpected{"Deterioration expected beyond 2027?"}
isDeteriorationObserved{"Deterioration observed in 2027 or earlier?"}
isGoodStatusAchievable{"Is good status achievable?"}
isUnfeasibleOrCostly{"Are measures unfeasible or disproportionately costly?"}
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions{"Delay due to natural conditions?"}

%% Flow to TERMINATORS

initial --> isQuantitativeStatusIn2027
hasNoApplicableExemption_1 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_2 --> final
hasNoApplicableExemption_3 --> final
hasExemption47 --> final 
hasExemption46 --> final 
hasExemption45 --> final 
hasExemption44n --> final 

%% THE IMPORTANT PART STARTS HERE

%% NO EXEMPTION POSSIBLE - If the status is unknown, then exemptions cannot be reported
isQuantitativeStatusIn2027 ==>|unknown|hasNoApplicableExemption_1

%% NO EXEMPTION NEEDED - if the status is not failing and no deterioration is expected, then no exemption is needed
isQuantitativeStatusIn2027 ==>|not failing|isDeteriorationExpected
isDeteriorationExpected ==>|no|hasNoApplicableExemption_2

%% ARTICLE 4(7) - DETERIORATION DUE TO NEW MODIFICATION OR PROJECT
isDeteriorationExpected ==>|"yes [new modification OR sustainable human development]"|hasExemption47

%% ARTICLE 4(6) - DETERIORATION DUE TO ACCIDENTS OR FORCE MAJEURE OR NATURAL CAUSES
isQuantitativeStatusIn2027 ==>|failing|isDeteriorationObserved
isDeteriorationObserved ==>|"yes \n [new modification OR sustainable human development]"|hasExemption47
isDeteriorationObserved ==>|"yes \n [accidents OR force majeure OR natural causes]"|hasExemption46
isDeteriorationObserved ==>|no|isGoodStatusAchievable

%% ARTICLE 4(5) - LESS STRINGENT OBJECTIVES
isGoodStatusAchievable ==>|no|isUnfeasibleOrCostly
isUnfeasibleOrCostly ==> |yes|hasExemption45
isUnfeasibleOrCostly ==> |no|hasNoApplicableExemption_3

%% ARTICLE 4(4) EXTENSION OF DEADLINE - NATURAL CONDITIONS
isGoodStatusAchievable ==>|yes|isDelayDueToNaturalConditions

%% ARTICLE 4(5) EXTENSION OF DEADLINE - FEASIBILITY OR COST - NO EXEMPTION POSSIBLE
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions ==>|no|hasNoApplicableExemption_3
isDelayDueToNaturalConditions ==>|yes|hasExemption44n

%% styling
classDef state stroke-width:4px,fill:transparent
classDef stateRed stroke:red,fill:transparent
classDef stateBlue stroke:blue,fill:transparent
    

Figure 23 Surface Water Body - Quantitative Exemption Decision Tree - 4th cycle

Groundwater Bodies - Protected area exemptions

Specific objectives may be set for waterbodies associated with some types of protected areas:

• Drinking water protection areas

• Natura 2000 protected sites included in the WFD register of protected areas

If the specific objectives have not been met, then exemptions may be reported.

(Note that the euProtectedAreaCode value is only requested for Natura 2000 sites.)

Based on the data reported in the 3rd cycle, it is likely that the number of exemptions is relatively low. Therefore the attributes of related to exemptions were simply added to the GWAssociatedProtectedArea table (Figure 24).

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class GWAssociatedProtectedArea{
	+ euGroundWaterBodyCode : wiseIdentifier
	+ euProtectedAreaType : ProtectedAreaType
	+ euProtectedAreaCode : wiseIdentifier [0..1]
	+ protectedAreaObjectivesSet : YesNo
	+ protectedAreaObjectivesMet : YesNoUnknown
	/ exemptionType : ExemptionType [0..1]
	+ exemptionRationale : ExemptionRationale [0..n]
	+ exemptionPeriod : ExemptionPeriod [0..1]
	+ exemptionReference : referenceIdentifier [0..1]
	   } 
    

Figure 24 Groundwater Body - Associated Protected Area Exemption - 4th cycle

Codelists associated with the Exemptions

Codelists associated with the reporting of exemptions are presented in Figure 25.

Note the dependencies between the two codelists, which will be verified by the qulaity control:

• the allowable values for the exemption type depent on the water body type (gwdArticle63_exemptionOfMeasures are not applicable to surface water bodies)

• the allowable values for the exemption rationale depend on the exemption type

        %%{init: {'theme': 'neutral'}}%%
classDiagram
class ExemptionType{
    <<enumeration>>
    article44_extensionOfDeadline
    article45_lessStringentObjectives
    article46_temporaryDeterioration
    article47_newModificationOrProject
    gwdArticle63_exemptionOfMeasures
    notApplicable
    }

class ExemptionRationale{
    <<enumeration>>
    article44_technicalFeasibility
    article44_disproportionateCost
    article44_naturalConditions
    article45_feasibility
    article45_disproportionateCost
    article46_naturalCauses
    article46_forceMajeure
    article46_accidents
    article47_newModification
    article47_sustainableHumanDevelopment
    gwdArticle63_accidentsExceptionalCircumstances
    gwdArticle63_artificialRechargeAugmentation
    gwdArticle63_directDischarges
    gwdArticle63_interventionInSurfaceWaters
    gwdArticle63_measuresDisproportionateCost
    gwdArticle63_measuresIncreaseRisk
    gwdArticle63_smallDischarges
    notApplicable
    }
	
class ExemptionPeriod{
    <<enumeration>>
    until2027
    until2033
    until2039
    lessStringentObjectiveAlreadyAchieved
    indeterminate
    }
    

Figure 25 Codelists associated with the Exemption classes - 4th cycle

Annex - Exploratory analysis of data reported in the 3rd cycle

This section is not relevant for the understanding of the proposed model. It contains some of the data analysis that supported the revision of the data model.

Surface water - ecological exemptions at water body - 3rd cycle

In the 3rd cycle, the reporting of ecological exemptions was requested:

• directly at surface water body level, in the SWEcologicalExemptionType class

• also at quality element level, in the qeEcologicalExemptionType element of the QualityElement class.

In 96.5% of the cases, the data reported is redundant with regard to the reporting at quality element level.

Show code

  /**
    "Duplicate" reporting of ecological exemptions 
    at surface water body level and at quality element level 
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --  https://discodata.eea.europa.eu

  SELECT [exemptionTypeTable],
  COUNT (*) AS [numberOfRecords],
  COUNT  (DISTINCT [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfSurfaceWaterBodies],
  COUNT  (DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
  FROM
  (
  SELECT COALESCE(qe.[countryCode], swb.[countryCode]) AS [countryCode],
    COALESCE(qe.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode], swb.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode],
    COALESCE(qe.[exemptionType_QE], swb.[exemptionType_SWB]) AS [exemptionType],
    IIF(qe.[exemptionType_QE] IS NOT NULL AND swb.[exemptionType_SWB] IS NOT NULL, 'Both', 
      IIF(qe.[exemptionType_QE] IS NOT NULL, 'QE', 
        IIF(swb.[exemptionType_SWB] IS NOT NULL, 'SWB', 'None'))) AS [exemptionTypeTable]
  FROM 
    (SELECT DISTINCT [countryCode]
        ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
        ,[qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] AS [exemptionType_QE]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[LATEST].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_QualityElement_qeEcologicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      and [qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      and [cYear] = 2022
      ) qe
  FULL OUTER JOIN 
    (SELECT DISTINCT [countryCode]
        ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
        ,[swEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] AS [exemptionType_SWB]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_SWEcologicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      and [swEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      and [cYear] = 2022
      ) swb
  ON qe.[countryCode] = swb.[countryCode]
  AND qe.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode] = swb.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
  AND qe.[exemptionType_QE] = swb.[exemptionType_SWB] ) t
  GROUP BY [exemptionTypeTable]

Based on the analysis of the remaining 3.5% of cases, it is likely that the missing qualitity element level exemption is simply a reporting error not detected by the quality control.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the cases where 
    ecological exemptions reported at surface water body level
    do not match an exemption reported at quality element level 
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --  https://discodata.eea.europa.eu

  SELECT COALESCE(qe.[countryCode], swb.[countryCode]) AS [countryCode],
    COALESCE(qe.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode], swb.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode],
    COALESCE(qe.[swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialValue], swb.[swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialValue]) 
      AS [swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialValue],
    COALESCE(qe.[exemptionType_QE], swb.[exemptionType_SWB]) AS [exemptionType],
    IIF(qe.[exemptionType_QE] IS NOT NULL AND swb.[exemptionType_SWB] IS NOT NULL, 'Both', 
      IIF(qe.[exemptionType_QE] IS NOT NULL, 'QE', 
        IIF(swb.[exemptionType_SWB] IS NOT NULL, 'SWB', 'None'))) AS [exemptionTypeTable],  
    [numberOfQualityElementWithExemptions],
    [numberOfQualityElementExemptionTypes]
  FROM 
    (SELECT DISTINCT [countryCode]
        ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
        ,[swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialValue]
        ,[qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] AS [exemptionType_QE]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[LATEST].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_QualityElement_qeEcologicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      ) qe
  FULL OUTER JOIN 
    (SELECT DISTINCT [countryCode]
        ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
        ,[swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialValue]
        ,[swEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] AS [exemptionType_SWB]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_SWEcologicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [swEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      ) swb
  ON qe.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode] = swb.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
  AND qe.[exemptionType_QE] = swb.[exemptionType_SWB] 

  LEFT JOIN 

    (SELECT [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode],
        COUNT (DISTINCT [qeCode]) AS [numberOfQualityElementWithExemptions],
          COUNT (DISTINCT [qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup]) AS [numberOfQualityElementExemptionTypes]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[LATEST].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_QualityElement_qeEcologicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      GROUP BY [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
      ) swb_with_qe_exemption

  ON swb_with_qe_exemption.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode] = swb.[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode] 

  WHERE qe.[exemptionType_QE] IS NULL 
  AND [numberOfQualityElementExemptionTypes] IS NULL
  -- AND swb.[swEcologicalStatusOrPotentialValue] IN ('1','2')
  ORDER BY [numberOfQualityElementExemptionTypes]

Surface water - ecological exemptions at quality element level - 3rd cycle

In 98.9% of the cases, only one type of exemption was reported per quality element and water body.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the number of different exemptions 
    reported at quality element level,
    for a given water body and quality element, 
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --  https://discodata.eea.europa.eu

    SELECT [numberOfExemptionTypes],
      COUNT  (*) AS [numberOfRecords],
      COUNT  (DISTINCT [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies],
      COUNT  (DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
    FROM 
      (SELECT [countryCode]
          ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
          ,[qeCode]
          ,COUNT(DISTINCT [qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup]) AS [numberOfExemptionTypes]
        FROM [WISE_WFD].[LATEST].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_QualityElement_qeEcologicalExemptionType]
        WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
        and [qeEcologicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
        and [cYear] = 2022
        GROUP BY [countryCode],[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode],[qeCode]) t
    GROUP BY [numberOfExemptionTypes]
    ORDER BY [numberOfExemptionTypes] ASC

Surface water - Chemical exemptions by pollutant and water body - 3rd cycle

In 99.1% of the cases, only one type of exemption was reported per priority substance and water body.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the number of different exemptions 
    reported at priority substance level,
    for a given water body and priority substance, 
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  -- https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/

  SELECT [numberOfExemptionTypes],
    COUNT  (*) AS [numberOfRecords],
    COUNT  (DISTINCT [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies],
    COUNT  (DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
  FROM 
    (SELECT [countryCode]
        ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
        ,[swPrioritySubstanceCode]
        ,COUNT(DISTINCT [swChemicalExemptionTypeGroup]) AS [numberOfExemptionTypes]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[LATEST].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_SWPrioritySubstance_SWChemicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      and [swChemicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      and [cYear] = 2022
      GROUP BY
        [countryCode]
        ,[euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]
        ,[swPrioritySubstanceCode]) t
    GROUP BY [numberOfExemptionTypes]
    ORDER BY [numberOfExemptionTypes] ASC

Groundwater - Chemical exemptions by pollutant and water body - 3rd cycle

In 99.5% of the cases, only one type of exemption was reported per pollutant and water body.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the number of different exemptions 
    reported at pollutant level,
    for a given water body and pollutant, 
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  -- https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/

  SELECT [numberOfExemptionTypes],
  COUNT  (*) AS [numberOfRecords],
  COUNT  (DISTINCT [euGroundWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies],
  COUNT  (DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
  FROM 
  (SELECT [countryCode]
          ,[euGroundWaterBodyCode]
          ,[gwPollutantCode]+isnull([gwPollutantOther],'') AS [pollutantCode]
          ,COUNT(DISTINCT [gwChemicalExemptionTypeGroup]) AS [numberOfExemptionTypes]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[LATEST].[GWB_GroundWaterBody_GWPollutant_GWChemicalExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      and [gwChemicalExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      and [cYear] = 2022
      GROUP BY
          [countryCode]
          ,[euGroundWaterBodyCode]
          ,[gwPollutantCode]+isnull([gwPollutantOther],'') ) t
  GROUP BY [numberOfExemptionTypes]
  ORDER BY [numberOfExemptionTypes] ASC

Groundwater - Quantitative exemptions by water body - 3rd cycle

In 93.7% of the cases, only one type of exemption was reported per water body.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the number of different exemptions 
    reported for a given water body 
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --   https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/

  SELECT [numberOfExemptionTypes],
    COUNT  (*) AS [numberOfRecords],
    COUNT  (DISTINCT [euGroundWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies],
    COUNT  (DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
  FROM 
  (SELECT [countryCode]
          ,[euGroundWaterBodyCode]
          ,COUNT(DISTINCT [gwQuantitativeExemptionTypeGroup]) AS [numberOfExemptionTypes]
      FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[GWB_GroundWaterBody_gwQuantitativeExemptionType]
      WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      and [gwQuantitativeExemptionTypeGroup] != 'None'
      and [cYear] = 2022
      GROUP BY
          [countryCode]
          ,[euGroundWaterBodyCode] ) t
  GROUP BY [numberOfExemptionTypes]
  ORDER BY [numberOfExemptionTypes] ASC

Surface water - Exemptions by associated protected area and water body - 3rd cycle

This information is only reported for drinking waters, shellfish designated waters, and Natura 2000 protected sites included in the WFD register of protected areas, if specific objectives have been set for the associated surface water body.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the water bodies 
    for which specific objectives where set
    due to associated protected areas
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --   https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/
  SELECT [protectedAreaType], [protectedAreaObjectivesSet], [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] 
      ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies]
      ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euProtectedAreaCode]) AS [numberOfAssociatedProtectedAreas]
    ,COUNT(DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
  FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_SWAssociatedProtectedArea]
  WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      AND [protectedAreaType] 
        IN ('Drinking water protection area',
            'Shellfish designated water',
            'Natura 2000 protected site')
      AND [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] in ('No','Yes','Unknown')
  GROUP BY [protectedAreaType], [protectedAreaObjectivesSet], [protectedAreaObjectivesMet]

Exemptions were reported for a total of 667 water bodies associated with a total of 327 protected areas, in 7 countries.

Show code

  
  /**
    Analysis of the water bodies 
    for which exemptions were applied 
    when specific objectives set due to associated protected areas
    where not met
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --   https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/
  
  SELECT LEFT([protectedAreaExemption],CHARINDEX('-',[protectedAreaExemption])-2) AS [protectedAreaExemptionType]
        ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euSurfaceWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies]
        ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euProtectedAreaCode]) AS [numberOfAssociatedProtectedAreas]
      ,COUNT(DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
    FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[SWB_SurfaceWaterBody_SWAssociatedProtectedArea_protectedAreaExemption]
    WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      AND [protectedAreaExemption] IS NOT NULL
      AND [protectedAreaExemption] != 'None'
      AND [protectedAreaType] IN 
        ('Drinking water protection area',
         'Natura 2000 protected site',
         'Shellfish designated water')
      AND [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] = 'No'
    GROUP BY
        LEFT([protectedAreaExemption],CHARINDEX('-',[protectedAreaExemption])-2)

Groundwater - Exemptions by associated protected area and water body - 3rd cycle

This information is only reported for drinking waters and Natura 2000 protected sites included in the WFD register of protected areas, if specific objectives have been set for the associated groundwater body.

Show code

  
  /**
    Analysis of the water bodies 
    for which specific objectives where set
    due to associated protected areas
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --   https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/

  SELECT [protectedAreaType], [protectedAreaObjectivesSet], [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] 
      ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euGroundWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies]
      ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euProtectedAreaCode]) AS [numberOfAssociatedProtectedAreas]
    ,COUNT(DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
  FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[GWB_GroundWaterBody_GWAssociatedProtectedArea]
  WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      AND [protectedAreaType] 
        IN ('Drinking water protection area','Natura 2000 protected site')
      AND [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] in ('No','Yes','Unknown')
  GROUP BY [protectedAreaType], [protectedAreaObjectivesSet], [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] 

Exemptions were reported for a total of 198 water bodies associated with a total of 273 protected areas, in 9 countries.

Show code

  /**
    Analysis of the water bodies 
    for which exemptions were applied 
    when specific objectives set due to associated protected areas
    where not met
    in the 3rd cycle reporting
  **/

  --   https://discodata.eea.europa.eu/

  SELECT LEFT([protectedAreaExemption],CHARINDEX('-',[protectedAreaExemption])-2) AS [protectedAreaExemptionType]
        ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euGroundWaterBodyCode]) AS [numberOfWaterBodies]
        ,COUNT(DISTINCT [euProtectedAreaCode]) AS [numberOfAssociatedProtectedAreas]
      ,COUNT(DISTINCT [countryCode]) AS [numberOfCountries]
    FROM [WISE_WFD].[latest].[GWB_GroundWaterBody_GWAssociatedProtectedArea_protectedAreaExemption]
    WHERE hasDescriptiveData = 1
      AND [cYear] = 2022
      AND [protectedAreaExemption] IS NOT NULL
      AND [protectedAreaExemption] != 'None'
      AND [protectedAreaType] 
        IN ('Drinking water protection area','Natura 2000 protected site')
      AND [protectedAreaObjectivesMet] = 'No'
    GROUP BY
        LEFT([protectedAreaExemption],CHARINDEX('-',[protectedAreaExemption])-2)