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These activities often lead to major
changes in river processes, primarily in the flow of the river, migration of
animal species and the transport of particulate matter. Although the effects
may not always be seen locally, their effects can be extensive. Downstream
reaches are nearly always affected, and upstream reaches as well as the
surrounding areas are often impacted on, too.
Under certain conditions the Water Framework Directive (WFD) permits Member States to identify and designate Heavily Modified Water Bodies (HMWB) and Artificial Water Bodies (AWB). HMWBs are bodies of water which, as a result of physical alterations by human activity, are substantially changed in character. AWBs are water bodies created by human activity. Instead of "good ecological status", the environmental objective for HMWBs and for AWBs is "good ecological potential". This objective has to be achieved by 2015.
This map shows the percentage of water bodies in each National River Basin District that are judged to be either Heavily Modified or Artificial.
For references, please go to https://www.eea.europa.eu/archived/archived-content-water-topic/map-of-the-week/heavily-modified-and-artificial-water-bodies or scan the QR code.
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