WFD Cycle 2 Lake Ammonia Classification: UK Lake Water Quality Status

Environment Agency data classifies ammonia levels in UK lakes based on waterbody-specific standards. Ammonia, a decay product from sewage and agricultural runoff, is assessed using summary statistics calculated from samples taken during the classification period. The dataset is part of the Water Framework Directive Cycle 2 classification status and has been retired, superseded by a newer record.

Use Cases

• Assessing lake water quality status based on ammonia concentration standards.
• Analyzing the impact of agricultural and sewage effluent on lake ecosystems based on ammonia sources described.
• Comparing ammonia classifications across different lake typologies, altitudes, and alkalinities as mentioned in the standards.

Strengths

• Data originates from the UK Environment Agency, a government body, suggesting authoritative monitoring.
• Classification process is described, involving calculated summary statistics (mean, standard deviation) and a specific calculator tool.
• Standards are tailored to specific waterbody characteristics like typology, altitude, and alkalinity.

Limitations

• The dataset has been retired and superseded by a newer record, indicating it is not the current version.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count and sample size are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency

Collection Method

Calculated from sample data run through a database and classification tool.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-17 15:08:19.728001; freshness should be verified as the record is retired.

Geography

United Kingdom