"The health of European waters is not good" says Leena Ila-Mononen - One of the most precious commodities, water, is at risk
Η Europe needs to manage its water resources better to guarantee its citizens good quality water, warns the European Environment Agency in a report, noting that only 37% of surface water in the EU has been used for water on the European continent is in good or very good ecological health.
The European Environment Agency's report is more than alarming
"The health of European waters is not good. Our waters are facing a series of unprecedented problems that threaten Europe's water security," says Leena Ila-Mononen, the agency's director, in a statement, as reported by AP-MPA.
In terms of surface water chemical health, it is only good in 29% of cases, compared to 77% for the aquifer, where most of the drinking water consumed by Europeans comes from.
Good chemical health means the absence of excessive pollution from organic elements and harmful chemicals such as perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) and microplastics.
The biggest threats
Surface waters are threatened by air pollution (coal combustion, car emissions, etc.) and agriculture which produces large amounts of waste that pollute soils.
"European agriculture should increase its use of more sustainable natural and agroecological practices, accompanied by incentives and changes in our eating habits," according to the report by the European Environment Agency.
The European body has analysed 120,000 outdoor water surfaces and 3.8 million square kilometres of groundwater in 19 EU countries and Norway and is calling for a 50% reduction in herbicide use by 2030.
"We need to redouble our efforts to restore the health of our precious waterways, lakes, coastal waters and other water bodies so that this vital resource is preserved and safe for future generations," says Leena Ila-Mononen.
The effects of climate change (drought and floods) and overexploitation of water resources are also putting pressure on water resources.
Reducing water consumption and restoring ecosystems must be priorities for governments at a time when water resources are under pressure due to climate change, heavy rainfall, melting glaciers and drought, according to the report.
