Europe’s freshwater resources are under significant strain, with only a third of its surface water bodies considered to be in good health, according to a report released by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Tuesday. The agency cites pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and the over-use of freshwater resources as the primary threats to Europe’s water security.
Leena Yla-Mononen, the EEA’s executive director, emphasized the seriousness of the situation in a statement, warning, “The health of Europe’s waters is not good. Our waters face an unprecedented set of challenges that threatens Europe’s water security.” The report revealed that just 37 percent of surface water bodies in Europe achieved “good” or “high” ecological status, a measure of aquatic ecosystem health. Furthermore, only 29 percent of surface waters reached “good” chemical status during the 2015-2021 period, as reported by EU member states.
Groundwater, which provides most of Europe’s drinking water, has fared better, with 77 percent of groundwater bodies achieving “good” chemical status. This status indicates that the water is largely free from excessive pollution, including harmful chemical nutrients and toxic substances such as PFAS and microplastics.
However, surface water in Europe remains vulnerable to a range of threats. Air pollution from sources like coal burning and car emissions, as well as agricultural waste contaminating soil and water, continue to pose significant risks. The report urges European agriculture to adopt more sustainable practices, such as organic farming and agroecological methods, which could help mitigate the environmental impact on water bodies. The EEA calls for greater incentives and changes in food and dietary habits to support these practices.
The European Environment Agency’s report analyzed data from 120,000 surface water bodies and 3.8 million square kilometers of groundwater areas across 19 EU countries and Norway. It highlights the need for decisive action to address the challenges facing Europe’s water systems. Among its recommendations, the agency calls on member states to reduce pesticide use by 50 percent by 2030 to limit the contamination of water bodies.
The EEA also stresses the urgent need to restore the health of Europe’s rivers, lakes, coastal waters, and other water bodies to ensure they are resilient and sustainable for future generations. Climate change, with its associated extreme droughts and flooding, as well as the over-exploitation of freshwater resources, has placed unprecedented pressure on Europe’s water systems. The report urges governments to prioritize reducing water consumption and restoring ecosystems to protect these vital resources.
