Collecting and storing rainwater for subsequent use ﾖ for example, using water butts or larger storage tanks.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

In the past, rivers have been straightened by cutting off meanders (historically, many rivers in northern and western Europe have been straightened and channelized to facilitate log floating and/or speed up the drainage of water and control/limit the river bed movements).ﾠ Re-meandering is bringing a river back closer to its naturally meandering state by creating a new meandering course and by reconnecting cut-off meanders.ﾠ Re-meandering slows down the flow of a river.ﾠ The new form of the river channel creates new flow conditions and very often also has an impact on sedimentation.ﾠ The newly created or reconnected meanders also provide habitats for a wide range of aquatic and land species of plants and animals.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Ponds or pools with additional storage capacity to attenuate surface runoff during rainfall events.ﾠ Retention time of runoff can provide the capacity to remove pollutants through sedimentation and opportunity for biological uptake of nutrients.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

There is some evidence that planting trees on some Mediterranean hillslopes can assist in cloud formation and precipitation. The forests assist in "trapping" rising air and condensing atmospheric water vapour. This work has been pursued by Milan Milan, amongst others.
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

Traditional terraces consist of nearly level platforms built along contour lines of slopes, mostly sustained by stone walls, used for farming on hilly terrain.ﾠ When properly built and well maintained, terraces can reduce erosion and surface run-off by slowing rainwater to a non-erosive velocity.ﾠ So-called traditional terracing involves less disturbance of the terrain than modern terracing, as it does not involve significant levelling or cutting using heavy machinery.ﾠ
- Based on Stella definitions, adapted by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

"Supplementary" measures are those measures designed and implemented in addition to the basic measures, with the aim of achieving the objectives established pursuant to Article 4 of the WFD. Part B of Annex VI contains a non-exclusive list of such measures. Member States may also adopt further supplementary measures in order to provide for additional protection or improvement of the waters covered by this Directive, including in implementation of the relevant international agreements referred to in Article 1.

Nitrate, NO-3, is the main nitrogen containing anion occurring in the soil. It is very soluble and moves freely in water through the soil profile. Nitrate in water is a pollutant above certain concentrations and can be a danger to human health. The main source of nitrate in water is agriculture although sewage discharges can also be an important factor.

Natural Water Retention Measures (NWRM) are multi-functional measures that aim to protect and manage water resources and address water-related challenges by restoring or maintaining ecosystems as well as natural features and characteristics of water bodies using natural means and processes. Their main focus is to enhance, as well as preserve, the water retention capacity of aquifers, soil, and ecosystems with a view to improving their status. NWRM have the potential to provide multiple benefits (see benefits table), including the reduction of risk of floods and droughts, water quality improvement, groundwater recharge and habitat improvement. The application of NWRM supports green infrastructure, improves or preserves the quantitative status of surface water and groundwater bodies and can positively affect the chemical and ecological status of water bodies by restoring or enhancing natural functioning of ecosystems and the services they provide (see ecosystem services). The preserved or restored ecosystems can contribute both to climate change adaptation and mitigation.

Ditch blocking in managed peatland forests can be used to slow water and trap sediment after forest harvesting. The ditches can be made of wood logs or gabions, for example.
- Elaborated by NWRM project experts and validated by the European Commission

The management of land to minimise soil erosion to maintain soil and water resources, and provide sustainable benefits in the long term.