Water Framework Directive Classification Item Hierarchy

This spreadsheet defines the relationships between Water Framework Directive (WFD) classification items. Classifications are arranged according to the classification hierarchy. Data are sourced from the Environment Agency Catchment Planning System (CPS). A classification item is any entity that receives an environmental classification score. At the core of classification is Element, this is generally an individual substance, biological entity or test. Elements are grouped together to form Components, for example biological elements are grouped into the component 'Biological quality elements' component. Some elements are split into Sub Elements for example Fish Element is split into individual fish species Sub Elements. At the top level is the overall waterbody. This is the headline classification for a waterbody. More information about how classification works is available on page 6: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/503282/RBMP_Guide_to_accessing_data_and_information.pdf