These Regulations prescribe water quality standards in relation to certain substances in surface waters e.g. rivers, lakes, tidal waters. The substances include certain pesticides, solvents, metals. These standards shall be taken into consideration when considering granting a licence under section 4 or section 16 of the Waste Management Act. The Regulations give further effect to Council Directive 76/464/EC (the Dangerous Substances Directive) and give effect to certain provisions of EU Directive 2000/60/EC (the Water Framework Directive). The standards laid down in the Schedule to these Regulations are hereby prescribed and shall apply in relation to all waters (other than groundwater) in accordance with these Regulations.