Overview
Clean water is the driving force of life. It is an essential resource for people and nature and for regulating the climate. It is also crucial for the economy, agriculture and producing energy. Water faces many pressures including pollution from industrial chemicals, pesticides, nutrients and pharmaceuticals, climate change.
EU water policy is one of the cornerstones of environmental protection in the EU. The rules protect water resources, fresh and saltwater ecosystems, and ensure our drinking and bathing water are clean. In the context of the European Green Deal, the Water Framework Directive provides the main framework and the objectives for water policy in Europe.
In the EU
Objectives
The EU’s main aim is to ensure that all Europeans have access to good quality and sufficient water, and to guarantee the good status of all water bodies across Europe. EU rules aim to ensure that water is managed sustainably in the long-term, water pollution is reduced, and aquatic ecosystems are protected.
Specific policies
Bathing water
EU rules to ensure clean and high-quality bathing water across Europe
Drinking water
Improving access to drinking water for all
Floods
EU measures to manage flood risk and the risks floods pose to human health and the environment.
Groundwater
EU action to ensure good quantity and quality of groundwater.
Marine waters
EU action to protect Europe’s coasts, seas and oceans.
Nitrates
Protecting waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources
Surface water
EU rules protecting surface waters from chemical pollution.
Urban wastewater
EU rules to ensure that urban wastewater is properly dealt with.
Water Reuse
Managing water resources more efficiently and facilitating water reuse in the EU
Water scarcity and droughts
Preventing and mitigating water scarcity and droughts in the EU
Actions
Implementation
See how EU countries implement the Water Framework Directive.
Zero Pollution Stakeholder Platform
Bringing together experts in different policy areas to mainstream the zero-pollution agenda.
Tools and instruments
Water Information System for Europe (WISE)
Discover the latest data and information on European fresh and marine waters.
Statistics
Visit EUROSTAT for statistics on water quality and use in the EU.
Related links
Main laws: Water Framework Directive, Floods Directive, Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, Drinking Water Directive, Bathing Water Directive, Marine Strategy Framework Directive, Nitrates Directive
Related topics: Industrial emissions, Marine and coastal environment
Related strategies: Biodiversity strategy for 2030, Circular economy action plan, Zero pollution action plan
Related Commissions priorities: European Green Deal
