The original work to derive a river water body set for Northern Ireland was undertaken in 2003-2004. At first 719 water bodies were proposed but this was later reduced to 550. However, further work was required to fully complete coverage around cross-border areas resulting in a 575 water body set being finally agreed in 2006. It is this 575 water body set that has been used for water quality classification and programmes of measures for the first River Basin Plan Period.
Water Body Boundary Changes for the Final River Basin Plans 2015