Only one-third of Europe's surface water is in good health, report warns Pollution, habitat degradation, climate change and over-use of freshwater resources are putting a strain on Europe, with only a third of its surface water in good health, the European Environment Agency notified on Tuesday.
"The health of Europe's waters is not good. Our waters face an unprecedented set of disputes that threatens Europe's water security," EEA executive director Leena Yla-Mononen announced in a statement.
Only 37 percent of Europe's surface water bodies secured "good" or "high" ecological status, a measure of aquatic ecosystem health, the EEA disclose said.
Meanwhile, only 29 percent of surface waters attained "good" chemical status over the 2015-2021 period, according to data stated by EU member states.
Europe's groundwaters -- the source of most drinking water in the continent -- fared better, with 77 percent enjoying "good" chemical status.
Good chemical status means the water is free of abundant pollution from chemical nutrients and toxic substances like PFAS and microplastics.
Surface water is threatened by air pollution -- such as coal burning and car emissions -- as well as the agriculture industry, whose dumped waste contaminates the soil.
"European agriculture requires to increase its use of more sustainable organic and agroecological practices, accompanied by incentives and a change in our food and dietary habits," the reveal said.
The European agency analyzed 120,000 surface water bodies and 3.8 million square kilometres (1.5 million square miles) of groundwater body areas in 19 EU countries and Norway.
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It summoned on EEA member states to halve their use of pesticides by 2030.
"We want to redouble our efforts to restore the health of our valued rivers, lakes, coastal waters and other water bodies, and to make sure this vital resource is resilient and achieve for generations to come," Yla-Mononen said.
Climate change effects, including extreme droughts and flooding, and the over-use of freshwater resources are putting a strain on Europe's lakes, rivers, coastal waters and groundwaters "like never before", the EEA said.
Governments must feature reducing water consumption and restoring ecosystems, it said.
Regards to France 24
Category: World-News
Tag: Only onethird of Europe039s surface water is in good health report warns
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Published 10/17/2024