As if the global concern about water scarcity was not enough, now there are also scandals related to contaminated water all over Europe, including Greece
A major scandal involving water and its quality is rocking the UK, just as the European Environment Agency warns that "our waters are facing a series of unprecedented problems that threaten water-related security of Europe".
At the same time, there are also problems in Greece, as recently there have been several worrying cases of water quality, which have led, in some cases, to several people being hospitalized.
In England, water companies in the UK passed thousands of pollution tests as part of a self-monitoring scheme, but the tests were never carried out, the Observer of the British Guardian. Indeed, the water companies' own operational data for wastewater treatment plants across the country reveal how wastewater outflows were stopped - in some cases, for only a few hours - on the days when samples were supposed to be taken!
European Environment Agency analyses 120,000 outdoor water surfaces and 3.8 million square kilometres of groundwater in 19 EU countries and Norway - Calls for a 50% reduction in herbicide use by 2030
Southern Water has already been found to have "deliberately manipulated" the flow of sewage to avoid detection of pollution. The number of non-flows it reported plummeted after its practices were investigated.
British ministers announced last week the establishment of an independent commission on the water sector and regulation as part of the biggest review of the industry since privatisation. The water regulator, Ofwat, could be reviewed or even abolished.
Water companies in England are allowed to "self-monitor" for pollution incidents under a controversial system introduced in 2009. Samples for laboratory testing are usually taken by water company employees and are additional to the checks carried out by the Environment Agency. And of course, the environmental performance of companies is linked to bosses' pay and the cost of bills...
The biggest threats to water in Europe
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 organisation 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 must 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 water is safe for future generations," it said.
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.
Where it was found contaminated water in Greece?
In August, Gavdos was in the news, in a negative way, because of the mass outbreaks of gastroenteritis, with the mayor categorically denying that contaminated water from the water supply network was to blame.
Two months later, the island's doctor Vassilis Amvrosiadis, who has spoken publicly about the problem with the contaminated water as one of the possible causes of the local "epidemic", was compulsorily moved, by decision of Health Minister Adonis Georgiades.
Water with coliform bacteria
The mayor of the island argued that the doctor's statements about the contaminated water were not valid, as the tests proved that two of the three boreholes supplying the water supply network of Gavdos "met the minimum requirements of microbiological parameters". The third was said to be contaminated "with minimal enterococcus samples", for which the municipality is "taking action". As for the remaining three, "they are not used in the network".
Only that the water samples, then sent residents to the Regional Public Health Laboratory in Chania, confirmed more than what the doctor said. Coliform bacteria and enterococci were found at four water sampling points, including a communal tap.
As a result, the General Directorate of Public Health of the regional unit of Chania addressed recommendations to the Municipality of Gavdos to take all necessary measures to protect drinking water, all the way from the point of abstraction to its use by consumers.
Unsuitable water in areas of the Municipality of Zagora
At the end of August, another area in Greece was found to have unsuitable water, except that, in this case, the municipality carried out all the necessary checks and announced that the use of water for human consumption in certain areas was prohibited until further notice.
In particular, the Municipality Zagora - Mouresi informed that the results of laboratory tests of drinking water, carried out by the P.E.D.Y. Thessaly and the cooperating accredited laboratory, showed exceedances of critical quality parameters in certain areas.
As stated in the relevant announcement of the Municipality: "The use of water for human consumption is prohibited in the Ag. Paraskevi district of Zagora Community (Karasmanoglou network) and in the lower network of Choreftos".
The Municipality then proceeded with new sampling, and until the necessary work was completed and the safety of the water was confirmed, the ban remained in place.
Is the water in Imathia contaminated with arsenic?
Farmers allegedly dump boxes of medicines near a water pumping point, turning it into an illegal landfill, which resulted in contaminating the water table and detecting high levels of arsenic in the water region of Imathia, last July.
Specifically, in Arachos, Imathia, samples were taken in the summer and it was found that the arsenic content of the water in the area was particularly elevated.
According to local media reports, the investigation and the complaint were made by a local farmer who, on his own initiative, sent water samples to private laboratories.
Although these are isolated cases, the fact is that water, which is precious for everyone, is at risk everywhere on the planet at any time and, in addition to climate change, the human factor plays a decisive role.
