| European Union directive | |
 | |
| Title | Bathing Waters Directive 2006 |
|---|---|
| Made by | European Parliament and Council |
| Other legislation | |
| Replaces | Directive 76/160/EEC |
The Bathing Waters Directive 2006 (2006/7/EC) is a Directive in EU law that sets standards for the water quality of beaches, lakes, rivers and other bathing waters.
Under the Directive, member state authorities may identify bathing waters where people are expected to bathe in large numbers.
Article 5 and Annex II sets out classifications for bathing waters as either 'poor', 'sufficient quality', 'good quality', or 'excellent quality'. Annex III requires reviews to take place every two years if quality is poor, three years if sufficient, and four years if good.