The ecological status in the WFD can be meassured by biological quality elements, physico-chemical elements and hydromorphological elements. Meantion elements within the three categories that can be measured.

Biological quality elements: Phytoplankton (only lakes), aquatic plants, benthic macroinvertebrates and fish Physico-chemical: nutrients, organic pollution and acidification Hydromorphological: hydrology, morphology and barriers