Data and maps

Freshwater - State and impacts (Poland): SOER Common environmental theme from Poland
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Poland
Freshwater - Why care? (Belgium): Why should we care about this theme?
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Belgium
Freshwater - Why care? (Croatia): SOER Common environmental theme from Croatia
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Croatia
Freshwater - Why care? (Luxembourg): SOER Common environmental theme from Luxembourg - freshwater
Located in The European environment – state and outlook 2010 › Country assessments › Luxembourg
Getting Europe's precious waters clean again: Protecting water from pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges that we face. In recent decades, major disasters like the Sandoz incident in 1986 demonstrated that pollution knows no frontiers and that strong EU actions and cooperation were needed. This detailed news report looks at the ways in which Europe’s determination to protect water in all its forms is achieving results. From the European quality of the drinking water, through the treatment of waste water, to protection of its rivers, coasts and lakes – over the last few decades it has developed an effective legislative arsenal. The aim of the European Union is for all the water on its territory to by in good status by 2015. Although challenges remain, results are obvious. For example, in 2000, the EU adopted a directive promoting trans-boundary co-operation and introducing the river basin management concept where the territory of the river as a whole is taken into account. And in terms of bathing water, since 1990, the number of bathing sites fulfilling the EU standards has increased by almost 30% to an impressive 90%.
Located in Environmental topics › Water › Multimedia
Hazardous substances in Europe's fresh and marine waters — An overview: Chemicals are an essential part of our daily lives and are used to produce consumer goods, to protect or restore our health and to boost food production, to name but a few examples. Some chemicals, however, are hazardous, raising concerns for the environment and human health. Hazardous substances are emitted to fresh and marine waters via a number of pathways and can have detrimental effects on aquatic biota. Humans can be exposed to hazardous substances in water through the ingestion of contaminated drinking water and the consumption of contaminated freshwater fish and seafood. A wide range of legislation now exists in Europe to address the release of hazardous substances to the environment, including water. New challenges exist, however, including the issues of chemical mixtures and emerging pollutants.
Located in Publications
Hazardous substances in Europe’s fresh and marine waters – an overview: Hazardous substances in fresh and marine water can harm aquatic life and pose a risk to human health, according to a new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). The report notes that while European legislation to address the issue is relatively strong, new challenges exist including ‘emerging pollutants’ where potential effects are not yet fully understood. More effort is also needed to ensure that chemicals are produced and used more sustainably.
Located in News
Historical development of the biotic community and average oxygen levels of the River Rhine near Emmerich and the Elbe near Magdeburg: Historical development of the biotic community and average oxygen levels of the River Rhine near Emmesrich and the Elbe near Magdeburg
Located in Data and maps › Maps and graphs
Impacts of Europe's changing climate - 2008 indicator-based assessment: Located in Publications
Interview with health expert: Gabriele Schöning - EEA expert on Human Health "People might have different opinions about what are the most important environmental issues at the moment. A very important thing definitely is climate change and how this will affect the whole environment but also human health by increasing ultra-violet radiation which might lead to skin cancers. Other more up to date problems are air pollution problems - although it has become better it is still a thing which affects children's health and is causing allergies. Another point is water quality which, for instance, comes up in old cities where you still have lead water pipes in the houses and this can lead to complications for children and can reduce children's intelligence."
Located in Environmental topics › Environment and health › Multimedia