Water is polluted when it contains high levels of harmful substances. These substances include toxic chemicals and microorganisms and are often invisible. But they are dangerous for our health and for the environment and it means that we cannot drink or use this water. The most common sources of water pollution are from agriculture, urban areas and wastewater, industrial discharges, as well as plastic and other litter.
92% of Europeans said that companies should pay for the costs of cleaning up their pollution and 74% that public authorities should pay for the cost. Progress has been to reduce water pollution in the EU, but there is still a way to go. We have to prevent pollution to become a #WaterWiseEU.
Water pollution in the EU
There are several ways to address water pollution, especially at source. The EU has many laws in place and has recently strengthened legislation on drinking water, treating wastewater, and industrial emissions to reduce pollution.
Water pollution has a range of sources, and therefore a range of solutions. We need an integrated approach across sectors and actors to tackle pollution at source, from regulation at EU and national level to local actions. Solutions include
- promoting sustainable agriculture, and using fewer pesticides and fertilisers
- restoring natural ecosystems like floodplains and wetlands
- reducing plastic waste
- implementing green infrastructure
- more investment and innovation
We can all take small actions to help reduce water pollution, including
- disposing of household waste, like medicines, chemicals, and wastewater properly
- reducing the use of harmful chemicals in your everyday life
- reducing your use of single-use plastics
- not using fertilizers and pesticides on your plants and crops
- avoiding littering
Or join the #EUBeachCleanUp and organise a water clean-up event near you!
Did you know?
Waterborne diseases such as cholera can spread when untreated wastewater pollutes drinking water supplies. Pollution from chemicals, including pesticides, can cause serious health issues like cancer and neurological damage. Microplastics have even been been found in our bloodstreams, and their impact on our health in the long-term is still currently unknown.
The EU plan for zero air, water and soil pollution by 2050
Commits EU countries to achieve good qualitative and quantitative status of all water bodies.
Recently strengthened and updated, and sets common EU standards for treating wastewater.
Protects waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources
The EU’s main law for clean and plentiful drinking water has been recently strengthened and updated.
Ensuring clean and high-quality bathing water across Europe.
Actions on the ground
For years, Mar Menor, Europe’s largest saltwater lagoon, was severely polluted by sewage water, agricultural runoff, and discharge from local mining. Six years ago, algal blooms turned its waters green and destroyed 85% of its seabed vegetation. In response to dire conditions, local residents fought back. Over 640,000 people came together to support a campaign to designate the Mar Menor as a legal "person" to ensure its protection and preservation. The government approved this in 2022. Since then, large- and small-scale cleanup events have taken place, with the lagoon enjoying protected status to prevent further pollution.
The massive fish kill in the Oder River in July and August 2022 is one of the largest ecological disasters in Europe in recent memory. It showed how human induced pollution, coupled with biodiversity loss and climate change, can create a perfect storm, with dire consequences. Since then, the EU has updated its laws and proposed recommendations to prevent this happening again.
As part of the EU-funded ‘StopUP’ project, researchers in Belgium are using seashells to filter and store rainwater runoff from urban areas to prevent pollutants from entering rivers, lakes, and bays.
The LIFE Plants for Plants project shows how biostimulants can reduce irrigations and chemical use to boost crop production, leading to higher income for farmers.
The LIFE Belini project is bringing together partners to improve water quality, boost biodiversity and mitigate flooding in the Scheldt River district.