The quality of water in Europe does not meet the requirements of the EU

The water quality and ecological status of Europe's lakes and rivers have slightly improved in recent years, according to the European Environment Agency. But a lot of work remains.

According to the new report of the European Environment Agency, only 40% of the waters studied meet the minimum ecological requirements of the EU and have a good or good ecological status. The figure is approximately the same as in the previous survey in 2012. The remaining share is heavily influenced by pollution, climate change or changes in the habitat of animals and plants.

– There is a lot to do before all lakes, rivers and coasts have a good status. All water users in Europe must work together to manage pollution from agriculture, industry and households, "said Karmenu Vella, EU Commissioner for Environmental Affairs and Business The Guardian

The chemical status also needs to be improved, according to the report: Only 38% of the surface waters of the aquatic species studied have a good or good chemical status when the concentration of pollutants does not exceed EU guidelines.Two of the most common substances found are mercury and cadmium.

According to the report, however, the state of groundwater is better than that of water 74 per cent of the groundwater areas examined are in good chemical status The top ranked surface waters are in northern Scandinavia, Scotland, Estonia and Slovakia.

EU Member States face several challenges to improve the state of the waters and safeguard the ecosystems. The greatest threats, according to the report, are the barriers that prevent the natural flow of water, including ponds and canals, as well as wastewater and emissions from agriculture. .

Following the implementation of the EU Water Directive which sets the minimum requirements for water quality and supply In water, several countries have intensified their efforts to improve the quality of water. Mattias de Woul, freshwater expert at the WWF World Food Fund, says the work is going too slowly.

– The reason why so much work remains to be done is that the rate of action is far too slow. Work must be increased in all countries. The water directive offers countries opportunities to make exceptions and this negatively affects the rate of action, he told DN.

Facts Report of the European Environment Agency

The report "European Waters – Assessment of Status and Pressure 2018" presents the ecological and chemical status surface water and groundwater in European lakes and rivers

Ecological Status is an estimate of the structure and function of surface water. It shows how water and the ecosystem are affected by pollution and climate change.

130,000 watercourses in all EU Member States were tested between 2010 and 2015.

] made possible by the EU water directive adopted in 2000. Through the directive, more countries have introduced ecological and chemical controls and analyzes of their watercourses.