WFD Cycle 2 Winter DIN Classification for UK Transitional and Coastal Waters

Environment Agency data classifies Winter Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen (Winter DIN) in UK transitional and coastal water bodies for Water Framework Directive (WFD) purposes. The dataset contains classification results (High, Good, or Moderate) derived by comparing observed Winter DIN, salinity, and Suspended Particulate Matter values against predicted pristine conditions. This record was retired and superseded by a new version as of July 2026.

Use Cases

• Assess water body ecological status based on Winter DIN classification categories (High, Good, Moderate).
• Model relationships between nitrogen, salinity, and suspended particulate matter in coastal systems.
• Compare water quality between 'Clear' and 'Not-Clear' water body categories defined by average SPM.
• Support regulatory reporting for the Water Framework Directive Cycle 2.

Strengths

• Data is produced by the authoritative Environment Agency for official WFD classification.
• Classification methodology is described, differentiating between Clear and Not-Clear water bodies.
• Includes multiple physico-chemistry parameters: Winter DIN, salinity, and Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM).

Limitations

• Dataset is retired and superseded; users must verify the current version.
• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Classification is limited to three categories (High, Good, Moderate) for Winter DIN only.

Provenance

Source

Environment Agency

Collection Method

Data processed through the Winter DIN WFD classification tool comparing observed values to predicted pristine conditions.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-17 15:09:06.155175; freshness should be verified as the record is retired.

Geography

Transitional and coastal water bodies in the United Kingdom