Freshwater - National Responses (Sweden)

e) Which responses (R) have been put in place or are planned at national level for the theme in question?

Sweden has a very long tradition of monitoring water quality, both chemically and biologically. There is a well-developed system of environmental quality criteria. This system was the model for the quality criteria that have now been incorporated in the Water Framework Directive.

Within the monitoring system, programmes are under way to detect the establishment of alien species as well as to note impacts on surface water caused by climate change at an early stage. As has already been mentioned, we are also developing groundwater monitoring, of both quantity and quality. Among other things, the possible impact of urban areas on groundwater aquifers is being looked into.

Acidification, eutrophication, pollutants

Sweden has action programmes for acidification, eutrophication and many inorganic and organic pollutants hazardous to the environment. The occurrence of anthropogenic organic pollutants is studied through screening at reference sites. Substances we do not find there that exist in other places can be regarded as local/regional pollutants. Others that are more evenly distributed have probably been transported by air from distant places. In Sweden we try to reduce loads as close to the source as possible. With regard to long-range transport of pollutants, we cannot solve the load problem nationally.

However, there are a number of toxic substances that we do not monitor, especially organic pollutants. We need to develop methods of analysis and perhaps enact more stringent legislation to come to grips with those pollutants.

Water management a common interest

In accordance with the WDF, water management has from the start involved county administration, water district administration and national environmental administration. We are also working on increasing cooperation with the government agencies for agriculture and forestry in the water management work. These are the most important areas of land use in Sweden and also important diffuse sources of e.g. phosphorus and nitrogen to surface waters. Working towards better water quality must be a joint effort between all actors and stakeholders.

Information and education on water-related issues are important parts of the agenda for the Swedish Water Authorities. Through consultations with interested parties, the understanding of modern water management will increase. There are also information campaigns about the importance of taking care of our common heritage, such as the brochure The road to better water.

http://www.vattenmyndigheterna.se/Sv/publikationer/gemensamt/broschyrerfoldrar/Pages/the-road-to-better-water.aspx?keyword=the+road+to+better