Drinking water shortage (level « orange »)

Drinking water shortage (level « red »)

Status of the water bodies 2009

Chemical status of the water bodies 2009

The surface water of Luxembourg are subdivided in 102 water bodies. The identification of water bodies is based on geographical and hydrological determinants. 3 surface water bodies are integrated in the river basin of the "Chiers", part of the river basin district of the Meuse. 99 surface water bodies are integrated in the river basin of the "Moselle", part of the river basin district of the Rhine.

Overall evaluation of the hydromorphological status per surface water body. It is a “pessimistic assessment” because only the worst of the two parameters morphology an continuity is retained. The hydromorphological status is assessed in 5 classes.

According to the water framework directive (Directive 2000/60/CE), the biological parameter fish are monitored in surface water bodies in order to determine the ecological status. Fish react sensitively to the continuity and the hydrological flow of surface water. Fish are therefor sampled in the SWB which have deficits here. The methodology applied for sampling is the standard NF EN 14962:2006 "water quality − guidance on the scope and selection of fish sampling methods".

The global status of a surface water body is determined by its ecological and chemical status.

According to the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC ), macrophytes and diatoms are monitored as two sub-elements of the aquatic flora. Macrophytes are particularly sensitive to organic pollution, trophy and hydromorphology. The diatom assemblages are different in function of concentrations of nutrients and organic pollutants.

The ecological status of the natural waterbodies is assessed in 5 classes going from 1 to 5 (high, good, moderate, poor, bad). The classification of the ecological status is based on the biological quality elements, physico-chemical quality elements and in some cases also the hydromorphological quality elements.