Water

Compared with many parts of the world, Europe has still relatively abundant freshwater resources. However, these resources are not evenly distributed across the continent. In fact, according to our estimates about one third of the EU territory is exposed to water stress in which the demand exceeds the available supply for a certain period.

• Despite freshwater abstraction declining by 15% in the EU between 2000 and 2019, there has been no overall reduction in the area affected by water scarcity conditions.
• Agriculture remains an important user and source of pollution. It was responsible for 59% of total freshwater use in Europe in 2017. 22% of Europe’s surface water bodies and 28% of the groundwater area are significantly affected by diffuse pollution from agriculture, both by nutrients and pesticides.
• Groundwater supplies 65% of drinking water and 25% of water for agricultural irrigation in the 27 EU Member States.
• Ocean acidity increased by 30% since the 1980s due to climate change, and models predict further acidification. Average sea surface temperature increased by between 0.2°C ad 0.5°C per decade since 1981.

Climate change is also projected to decrease the availability of water in Europe, putting additional pressure on southern regions already facing water stress. Other parts of Europe are expected to face more frequent flooding events, while low-lying regions are at risk from storm surges and sea level rise. Cities and regions are at the forefront of actions on the ground and are implementing measures ranging from leakage reduction and water reuse to incorporating blue and green areas in urban areas to minimise flooding risks and water damage.

In the last four decades, Europe has made significant progress in regulating its water quality, treating its wastewater and protecting its marine and freshwater habitats and species. EU policies address a wide range of water issues, including drinking water, urban waste water, protection of habitats, marine protection and bathing water quality. Legislation regarding single-use plastics, industrial emissions and restrictions on the use of hazardous chemicals also ensure clean water supplies. Recently, the European water legislation has been revised to reflect the current situation.

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) is the main legislative framework protecting European waters. One key purpose of the WFD is that all water bodies should be at “good status” — to prevent further deterioration of aquatic ecosystems and their water needs and protect and enhance their status. The Floods Directive, which encourages the development of flood risk management plans, also significantly supports the objectives of the WFD. Other relevant directives include the Urban Waste Water Directive, the Nitrates Directive, the Drinking Water Directive and the Groundwater Directive.

Protection of Europe's seas is ensured mainly through the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and supported by more targeted legislation such as the Bathing Water Directive. As most of the pressures originate from economic activities, other EU iniatives, including those on circular economy, clean energy and safe chemics under the European Green Deal, play a key role in ensuring a sustainable use of marine and freshwater resources.

The EEA supports these policies through a wide range of knowledge products, including assesments on the state of water, monitoring progress towards policy targets, and indicators as well as information systems on freshwater and marine.