Developing status tests for selected Irish groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystem (GWDTE) types as part of groundwater body status assessment under the EU water framework directive

Abstract

The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) requires assessment of the impact of chemical and quantitative groundwater pressures on groundwater-dependent terrestrial ecosystems (GWDTEs). During the first River Basin Cycle (2003–2009), 48 Irish groundwater bodies (GWBs) were identified as at risk of failing to meet the WFD objective of good status owing to potential damage to GWDTEs and required further status assessment. Status tests were only applied to two GWBs, however, owing to the lack of ecohydrogeological data needed to assess damage. This paper aims to contribute to the evaluation of GWDTE chemical and quantitative status and specifically aims to: (1) develop an enhanced understanding of GWDTE ecohydrogeology; (2) determine groundwater nutrient threshold values (TVs) for GWDTEs; and (3) propose methodologies for assessing groundwater-related significant damage at GWDTEs.