UK Coastal and Estuarine Water Quality Classifications for 2022

Environment Agency data provides 2022 ecological and chemical status classifications for UK transitional and coastal water bodies under the Water Framework Directive. The dataset includes polygon geometries simplified for web mapping, derived from OS OpenMap and agency boundaries. It covers Cycle 3 of the WFD and was published with copyright held by the Environment Agency and Ordnance Survey in 2024.

Use Cases

• Mapping ecological status or potential classifications across UK coastal and estuarine water bodies.
• Analyzing chemical status classifications to identify areas of pollution concern.
• Joining water body polygons with other spatial data using River Basin District assignments.
• Comparing simplified geometries for web applications against the full-resolution dataset for detailed analysis.

Strengths

• Includes both ecological and chemical status classifications for each water body.
• Geometries are simplified for performance in web mapping services.
• Water bodies are defined using authoritative sources like OS OpenMap and Environment Agency boundaries.

Limitations

• Data is provided in a simplified geometry format, sacrificing spatial detail for speed.
• The shapefile format has noted limitations which may affect data handling.
• Classification data is specific to the 2022 assessment cycle and may not reflect current conditions.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency (UK), incorporating Ordnance Survey (OS) data.

Collection Method

Water bodies defined from OS OpenMap - Local Mean High Water boundaries and agency estuarine/UWWTD boundaries.

Time Range

2022 (Cycle 3 classification).

Freshness

Data reflects the 2022 classification cycle under the WFD.

Geography

United Kingdom coastal waters and estuaries, organized by River Basin Districts.