The European Commission has issued a comprehensive report indicating severe contamination in the majority of Europe’s waterways, including rivers, lakes, and streams.

As pollution levels rise, member states are seeking exemptions to existing environmental regulations.

This situation contributes to an ongoing crisis in water quality across the continent, necessitating immediate action.

The Commission's findings reveal that fewer than 40 percent of the EU’s surface water bodies currently meet the criteria for good ecological status.

Furthermore, just over 25 percent of these water bodies comply with established standards regarding chemical pollution.

The primary culprits identified are mercury and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are known for their persistence in the environment and potential harm to ecosystems and human health.

In preparation for a new EU Water Resilience Strategy, expected to be unveiled later in 2023, European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall emphasized the importance of enhancing water resilience.

She noted that threats to water quality include not only pollution but also challenges related to water supply and insufficient flood preparedness.

Mercury, which is predominantly released through the combustion of fossil fuels, along with PAHs resulting from both historical sources and ongoing emissions, significantly deteriorate the chemical status of EU waterways.

In contrast, groundwater—responsible for supplying approximately 65 percent of the EU’s drinking water—is in relatively better shape; around 86 percent of groundwater bodies meet good chemical standards.

However, issues persist due to the presence of nitrates from intensive agricultural practices and livestock farming.

The situation in the Baltic Sea illustrates the detrimental effects of agricultural runoff, with nitrogen and phosphorus pollution from fertilizers severely impacting the health of coastal waters.

In response, the European Commission is contemplating stricter agricultural regulations, highlighting the necessity for active participation from farmers in water management initiatives.

Moreover, the report referenced the potential role of the European Green Deal in bolstering water quality, particularly through reforms akin to the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.

Despite these initiatives, several EU member states have expressed intentions to apply for exemptions to environmental standards, seeking longer timelines or altered criteria in order to comply with regulations.

Additionally, the Commission has begun to address the issue of emerging pollutants, which include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, and pharmaceuticals.

This broader examination comes as the region grapples with increasing concerns surrounding water scarcity and drought, with many countries requesting exemptions owing to long-lasting drought conditions that challenge their ability to maintain water quality standards.