In light of the latest report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), pollution, overuse and climate change are posing unprecedented threats to Europe's water resilience. The findings of the ‘State of Europe’s Water’, which evaluates the health of more than 120,000 surface water bodies and 3.8 million km² of groundwater across the EU and Norway, underscore the critical need for improved water management to protect Europe’s water security, ecosystems, and the well-being of its citizens.

The EEA report highlights a stark reality: only 37% of Europe’s surface water bodies achieved "good" or "high" ecological status under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), while 29% met the criteria for "good" chemical status during the 2015-2021 period. Agriculture remains the most significant pressure on water resources, responsible for excessive water use and pollution from nutrients and pesticides. The report emphasises the need for agricultural practices to evolve, especially with the intensifying effects of climate change, which are expected to increase the demand for water in irrigated farming.

While Europe’s groundwater systems fare better—91% are in good quantitative status and 77% in good chemical status—issues related to nutrient and pesticide pollution persist. Given that groundwater is a vital source of drinking water, the urgency of addressing these issues cannot be overstated.

Commenting on the EEA report, EurEau Secretary General, Oliver Loebel said “This is a clear warning call to the EU institutions: our water resources are in grave danger. Urgent action is needed at all levels now - to prioritise the health of Europe’s water bodies by reducing pollution and promoting more efficient water use so that Europe’s water services providers can ensure the availability of enough good-quality, affordable water for future generations.”

EurEau echoes the EEA’s call to address these urgent challenges. Our Water Resilience Strategy aligns with the findings of the EEA report, advocating for holistic approaches to water management that prioritise sustainability and innovation.