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Industrial wastewater discharge
Photo by neenawat khenyothaa via Shutterstock
Water pollution

Pollution is decreasing the availability of good quality water. What can we do tackle it at source?

Water pollution in the EU

  • Nutrient pollution costs more than EUR 75 billion a year
  • Only 31% of our streams, rivers and lakes are considered to be good quality
  • 69% of Europeans consider pollution to be the main threat linked to water

Which of the following is a common source of water pollution in Europe?
- Agricultural runoff
- Urban stormwater runoff
- Industrial discharge
- All of the above

Answer: All of the above.
  • Water Supply and Sewerage system (environment), Slavonski Brod, Croatia
    What are the solutions?

    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
  • Household chemical waste | Photo by CrispyMedia via Adobe Stock
    What can you do?

    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?

How the EU is taking action

EU water policy is a cornerstone of environmental protection in the EU. These laws protect water resources, fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and ensure our drinking and bathing water are clean. But 78% of Europeans think that the EU should propose additional measures to address water problems.

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.

Actions on the ground

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.

Which of these is not a way to mitigate water pollution?
- Using more chemicals in farming
- Using natural pest control methods
- Improving water treatment infrastructure
- Educating communities about proper waste disposal

Answer: Using more chemicals in farming