HEAVILY MODIFIED WATERS IN EUROPE. CASE STUDY ON THE SEEFELDER AACH RIVER

An application of the European Water framework directives in Germany. Development of assessment criterias for the designation of heavily modified water bodies in contrast to natural surface waters was developed for the Seefelder Aach river. After a description of the case study area, physical, chemical and ecological alterations are discussed as a function of human activities: hydropower generation, agricultural land-use, land-drainage, river regulations and diffuse source pollution from agricultural activities. The impact on the lake Constance are mentioned. Options and recommendations are proposed.