Quantity of the resource

Facility that produces electricity by the force of moving water.

Hydroelectric facility transforming hydraulic energy into electricity, whose power usually varies from a few kW to 4,500 kW.

Law transposing the 2000 Water Framework Directive (WFD), which harmonises European regulations on water management and introduces the obligation to protect and restore the quality of water and aquatic environments in the European Union. Environmental objectives must be set for all aquatic environments (rivers, lakes, coastal waters - coastal and transitional waters - and groundwater) by 2015: achievement of good water status, no deterioration of resources and reduction or elimination of discharges of hazardous substances. The novelty of the concept of "good status" now relies on the proper functioning of aquatic environments taking into account all components of the environment: water, wildlife, flora and habitats.

Law making the necessary amendments to the legislative framework to implement the numerous European directives for defining the quality standards that water must meet for certain uses (drinking water, bathing water, fish-breeding water, shellfish waters). One of the strengths of the law of 3 January 1992 is the introduction of two new global water resources planning systems: master plans for water development and management (SDAGE) for each of the major French river basins, and water management and management plans (SAGE) developed on a more local scale. Contrary to the 1964 law, the 1992 law does not imply any obligation to monitor environments but it reinforces the principles of protection of aquatic ecosystems and consultation between water users and stakeholders. The evolution of knowledge is also making it clear that the assessment of river quality must be done by considering the different components of the environment (water and substrate) and the organisms that live in it.

Permanent or temporary drop in the piezometric level of groundwater, due to a natural or artificial change in its recharge or abstraction.

Depth of the water level in the soil.

Lowering of the groundwater level at a given point by the extraction of water from the water table, the lowering of a water line of a stream in relation with groundwater or under the influence of earthworks, etc.