WFD Cycle 2 Lake Salinity Classification for UK Waterbodies

WFD Cycle 2 lake salinity classification is a retired dataset from the UK Environment Agency. It contains classification data for salinity in lakes, using electrical conductivity as a proxy. The dataset is a subset of the WFD Classification Status Cycle 2 and was last updated on 2026-07-17.

Use Cases

• Classifying lake water quality based on reported electrical conductivity data.
• Analyzing the ecological impact of salinity on organisms in UK lakes.
• Supporting water body management decisions using the 'Good' or 'Not Good' classification bands.

Strengths

• Data is sourced from the authoritative UK Environment Agency.
• Classification method is clearly described, using electrical conductivity as a proxy for salinity.
• Dataset has a specific temporal context, being part of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) Cycle 2.

Limitations

• The dataset is explicitly noted as retired and superseded by another record.
• 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

Classification derived from electrical conductivity measurements within a defined time window.

Time Range

Water Framework Directive Cycle 2 period.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-17 15:08:58.463500; freshness should be verified as the dataset is retired.

Geography

United Kingdom lakes, excluding those naturally influenced by saline water (Brackish type).