This layer represents the risk for each waterbody of failing to meet their Water Framework Directive (WFD) objectives by 2027. The risk of not meeting WFD objectives was determined by assessment of monitoring data, data on the pressures and data on the measures that have been implemented. Waterbodies that are At Risk are prioritised for implementation of measures. This assessment was completed in 2020 by the EPA Catchments Unit in conjunction with other public bodies and was primarily based on monitoring data up the end of 2018.

The three risk categories are: * Waterbodies that are At Risk of not meeting their Water Framework Directive objectives. For these waterbodies an evidence-based process was undertaken to identify the significant pressures; once a pressure is designated as ‘significant’, measures and accompanying resources are needed to mitigate the impact(s) from this pressure. These At Risk waterbodies require not only implementation of the existing measures described in the various regulations, e.g. the Good Agricultural Practices Regulations, but also in many instances more targeted supplementary measures. * Waterbodies that are categorised as Review either because additional information is needed to determine their status before resources and more targeted measures are initiated or the measures have been undertaken, e.g. a wastewater treatment plant upgrade, but the outcome hasn’t yet been measured/monitored. * Waterbodies that are Not at Risk and therefore are meeting their Water Framework Directive objectives. These require maintenance of existing measures to protect the satisfactory status of the water bodies.