WFD Cycle 2 River pH Classification for UK Water Bodies

Environment Agency data classifies UK river water bodies based on pH levels for the Water Framework Directive. Classifications are derived from spot sampling monitoring data, assessed against environmental quality standards for acidity and alkalinity. The dataset assigns categories of High, Good, Moderate, Poor, and Bad for ecological status.

Use Cases

• Assess river acidification trends based on pH classification categories.
• Evaluate regulatory compliance for water bodies under the Water Framework Directive based on ecological status.
• Model the relationship between pH levels and other physico-chemical conditions in rivers.
• Monitor changes in water quality over time using the parametric percentile calculation method described.

Strengths

• Data is produced by the authoritative Environment Agency for regulatory purposes.
• Classification uses a defined parametric method against specific environmental quality standards.
• Provides a clear categorical output (High, Good, Moderate, Poor, Bad) for assessment.

Limitations

• The dataset has been retired and superseded by a newer record, indicating it is not the current version.
• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic or temporal bias inherent to the UK monitoring program.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency

Collection Method

Derived from spot sampling monitoring data, calculated into percentiles using a parametric method.

Freshness

Last updated metadata indicates 2026-07-17, but the dataset is retired.

Geography

United Kingdom (rivers)