Environment Agency  Waterbody Classifications

The Environment Agency classifies all waterbodies according to their ecological status. Full details of the classification hierarchy can be found here.

🟢High

Near natural conditions. No restriction on the beneficial uses of the water body. No impacts on amenity, wildlife or fisheries.

🔵Good

Slight change from natural conditions as a result of human activity. No restriction on the beneficial uses of the water body. No impact on amenity or fisheries. Protects all but the most sensitive wildlife.

🟡Moderate

Moderate change from natural conditions as a result of human activity. Some Moderate restriction on the beneficial uses of the water body. No impact on amenity. Some impact on wildlife and fisheries.

🟠Poor

Major change from natural conditions as a result of human activity. Some restrictions on the beneficial uses of the water body. Some impact on amenity. Moderate impact on wildlife and fisheries.

🔴Bad

Severe change from natural conditions as a result of human activity. Significant restriction on the beneficial uses of the water body. Major impact on amenity. Major impact on wildlife and fisheries with many species not present.