The work programme of the CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 230 "Water quality" has close links with the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for EU action in the field of water policy). It includes standardisation of methods to sample and analyse water. But it does not cover the definition of limits of acceptability for water quality.

The Working Groups 1 (Physical and Chemical Analysis) and 3 (Microbiological Analysis) of this TC are kept in "abeyance" as their work has been shifted to the international level at ISO/TC 147 on "Water Analysis" (although they may be recalled to discuss specific issues).

The Working Group 2 on Biological and Ecological Assessment Methods is a relatively new work-stream and has its task groups organised to directly reflect key elements of ecological status as defined by the Water Framework-Directive. The Group produces harmonised lists and classifications of ecological habitats as well as methods to assess fish abundance. The standardisation of methods being developed may also have application in the Habitats Directive (Directive of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and wild fauna and flora).

ECOS has been sending experts to this group since 2003 to ensure a satisfactory integration of ecological expertise and concerns in the standards developed, which seized between 2005-8. The participation of the ECOS expert in the 2009 meetings of the TC plenary and its WGs aimed at mapping out the ongoing work and  identifying priorities among the various committees and task groups. ECOS' input to this TC will continue in 2010.