According to the WFD, all bodies of water must be brought to a "good ecological status" or achieve good ecological potential within certain deadlines. The state of Lower Saxony is responsible for implementing the resulting requirements. The state has so far relied on the so-called "voluntary principle".

The Salzgitter City Council has therefore taken the initiative and provided funding for the creation of an action plan for the protection and improvement of watercourses in Salzgitter.

The first part of the action plan for the Fuhse, Schölke, Krähenriede, Mühlgraben Bruchmachtersen, Mühlgraben Salder and Brunnenriede watercourses was completed in 2020. A second part of the action plan is currently being developed for the Warne, Hainbach, Fuchsbach, Reitelgraben and Karelbeeke watercourses.

This action plan is the basis for the renaturation of various watercourse sections that are currently being planned in the city area.