Geographical classification of water systems, 21/03/2008

The Flemish Government is committed to the sustainable development of the water systems in Flanders. A water system is a coherent and functional body of surface water, groundwater, water soils and banks, including their living communities and all associated physical, chemical and biological processes and the associated technical infrastructure. The Flemish Government’s water policy is set out in the ‘Decree on integrated water policy of 18 July 2003’. It classifies water systems based on hydrological, geomorphological, ecological and functional properties. There are different levels of water system boundaries: river basin districts, river basins, sub-basins or basins, water boards and sub-basins.