Integration of the different interests of use and protection

With a view to assessing which uses of water bodies pose a threat to their good status, the states in 2004 closely analysed the most important ones within an inventory and made a prognosis of their future development.

Decisions on protection measures must take into consideration, how environment targets can best be reached at best possible cost efficiency. These considerations may lead to restricting certain uses in favour of water protection.

Even though, for reasons inherent to their use, many constructions must be maintained, the water bodies concerned should be ecologically revalued to the greatest possible extent. At least the best possible status permitted by the existing uses should be achieved.