Freshwater - Outlook 2020 (Sweden)

d) What is the 2020 outlook (date flexible) for the topic in question and how will this affect possible impacts on the natural environment and human health/well-being?

In keeping with the Water Framework Directive, water management continues to lead to increased comprehension of cause and effects when it comes to impacts on natural water bodies. Since the typology and classification of the water bodies according to the WFD have been validated, a better determination of ecological status has become possible, and with it a better understanding of the quality of surface and groundwater.

Runoff of toxins reduced

Stricter requirements for operations such as agriculture, forestry and industry have reduced the runoff of toxins harmful to the environment and substances that cause eutrophication, which also results in cleaner water along the coasts.

We hope that agreements within the EU will result in reduced atmospheric transport and fallout of acidifying substances and heavy metals.

As time goes by, climate changes will lead to increased precipitation in certain areas in Sweden, while others will experience a drier climate. By 2020 we could begin to see repercussions, such as increased water flows after heavy rains, which in turn can lead to flooding in areas near Lakes Vänern and Mälaren (two of the largest lakes in Sweden).