European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (S.I. No. 50/2025).

The European Communities Environmental Objectives (Surface Waters) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 were established to further implement Directive 2000/60/EC, which sets a framework for water policy. These regulations amend the 2009 regulations by introducing more stringent objectives for water bodies, adding controls for indirect impacts on groundwaters, and establishing detailed monitoring programs for ecological and chemical status. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is tasked with setting up a comprehensive monitoring network and conducting various types of monitoring, including surveillance, operational, and investigative monitoring, to ensure water bodies meet environmental objectives. The regulations also specify the frequency and methods for monitoring different quality elements, aiming to maintain high standards for water quality and protect water resources.