The availability of groundwater information sources in relation to the transposition of the WFD into Polish law. Project KINDRA

The Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC of the European Parliament and the Council from 23 October 2000 has been transposed by European Union countries into their own legal systems. Member States have introduced several changes in the internal regulations. Access to this data is not always easy or possible. Consequently, the international research project KINDRA was established to assess existing groundwater-related practice and scientific knowledge based on a new Hydrogeological Research Classification System. In order to transpose the Water Framework Directive regulation, Poland adopted a series of activities into internal policy: adopted an amendment to the Water Law, created a water management plan and has established rules for the rational use of water by introducing a country water-environment programme and water permit. The result of survey on groundwater management shows that Poland is in a good situation with regard to the transposition of the Water Framework Directive, especially in relation to groundwater monitoring. This is because, among other factors, the Polish Hydrogeological Survey carries out its tasks in relation to quality or quantity assessment. The results of their work are published as reports, bulletins etc. These materials are a potential source of information which can be a valuable contribution to the Knowledge Inventory of Hydrogeology Research. There are many institutions and bodies whose activities concern groundwater monitoring and water quality control, but their reports, bulletins and publications are often only available in the Polish language, so their achievements and practical knowledge cannot be widely disseminated in Europe. An opportunity to improve the situation would be the widespread use of an English title and abstract together with the national language.