This is the largest study devoted to the quality of European waters. 120,000 bodies of surface water, lakes, rivers, coastal waters and 3.8 million km² of groundwater were analyzed, with very disappointing results. Only 37% of surface waters are in good ecological condition. A figure that rises to 77% for groundwater.
“The health of European waters is not good. Our waters are facing an unprecedented series of challenges that threaten water security in Europe,” says the director of the European Environment Agency (EEA), Leena Ylä-Mononen, in a press release.
Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen (EEA) Credit. ECMWF
Unsurprisingly, intensive agriculture, with the use of pesticides and nitrates, has the greatest impact on the resource. But the poor quality of surface water is also explained by the persistent presence of long-lived pollutants, such as mercury from coal combustion.
The European Environment Agency calls for a change in agricultural practices
According to the report, it is therefore urgent to change agricultural practices, by making them less polluting and less water-intensive. Improving the management and use of this resource is also a priority due to climate change. “European agriculture must make greater use of more sustainable natural and agroecological practices, accompanied by incentives and a change in our eating habits,” recommends the report.
Water quality in Europe is improving too slowly
“We must redouble our efforts to restore the health of our precious rivers, lakes, coastal waters and other bodies of water and to ensure that this vital resource is resilient and safe for generations to come,” insists Ms Ylä-Mononen.
Water scarcity currently affects 20% of the European territory and 30% of the population. Without a change in behaviour, the situation could worsen and jeopardise the EU’s internal cohesion.
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