Climate Water supply in Europe faces challenges

The majority of Europe's water bodies are not in good shape. According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), only 37% of so-called surface water bodies - such as lakes or rivers - in Europe were in good or very good status in 2021.

Despite countries' efforts, this figure has hardly changed since 2015, according to a new report by the Copenhagen-based EU agency. The lack of improvement in ecological status reflects the ongoing pollution of surface waters across the continent. Water security faces major challenges now and in the future, according to the EEA.

Agriculture pollutes water

The greatest pollution of surface and groundwater comes from agriculture, reports the EEA, citing information from the member states. The main reason for this is the intensive use of nutrients and pesticides. Changes in agricultural practices and new technologies could help, writes the EEA. At the same time, agriculture is by far the largest net consumer of water in Europe and without changes to practices, the demand from irrigated agriculture is likely to increase with climate change.

According to the data, groundwater supplies two thirds of drinking water in the EU and supports ecosystems such as wetlands and rivers. According to the report, 77 percent of groundwater bodies are in good chemical status. The main pollutants are nitrates and pesticides. In terms of quantity, 91 percent of groundwater is in good status, according to the report.

Water is becoming scarcer

Water stress describes an increasing risk of environmental problems and economic difficulties. This is a growing concern in Europe, especially with increasing water scarcity in the south and more frequent and severe droughts across the continent. This is having an impact on public water supplies as well as agriculture and industry, according to the report. Already, 20 percent of European land and 30 percent of the population are affected by water stress every year. "Figures that are likely to increase in the future due to climate change," says the EEA.

Reducing water consumption can help: "Reducing leaks, using water-saving devices and processes and increasing water reuse would improve efficiency," says the EEA. The price of water also plays a role: among other things, it can be an important driver for reducing consumption.

Climate change increases flood risk

According to the experts' analysis, "too much" water is also becoming an ever greater problem: intense rainfall has already increased in parts of Europe, leading to flooding and growing flood risks. With climate change in Europe, affordable and sustainable flood risk management is becoming increasingly important, according to the EEA.

As recently as September, floods caused major devastation throughout Central and Eastern Europe - from Romania to Austria and Poland. Last year, too, there were severe floods in Italy, Norway, Slovenia and on the Mediterranean coast within a few months, resulting in fatalities.

According to the Environment Agency, the report is the most comprehensive assessment of the state of Europe's waters. The report is based on data submitted by 19 EU Member States. It represents 85 percent of surface water bodies and 87 percent of groundwater bodies in the EU.