According to the EC Water Framework Directive, the ecological status of a natural body of water is assessed according to type using a five-stage scale (very good, good, moderate, unsatisfactory, bad). The classification is primarily based on the worst partial assessment result from the biological quality components phytoplankton, macrophytes/phytobenthos, macrozoobenthos and fish. The physical and chemical orientation values of the LAWA are used to support this. For the very good condition, hydromorphological components are also evaluated. Furthermore, the ecological status or ecological potential is rated no better than moderate if the environmental quality standards for specific synthetic and non-synthetic pollutants are not met. Database modules for the WFD-relevant communities (phytoplankton, macrophytes/phytobenthos, zoobenthos and fish) are under development.
