Europe in crisis: water health at risk

Water is one of the vital resources of life which is heavily affected by pollution.

With only 37% of surface waters in good or very good ecological status, Europe is facing a water resource crisis that can no longer be ignored. An alarming report published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) warns that the state of European waters is precarious and the security of water resources is threatened by a number of aggravating factors, including chemical pollution, climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices.

Leena Yla-Mononen, director of the EEA, points out that "our waters are facing an unprecedented series of challenges", and this crisis is no longer one that can be tackled gradually. Surface waters such as rivers, lakes and coastal areas are the most vulnerable, with good chemical health in only 29% of cases, well below desired standards.

• Pollution and agriculture

One of the main sources of pollution is agriculture, a vital sector that generates significant amounts of waste and pollutants, including hazardous chemicals and excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. These substances contaminate not only soils, but also surface waters, having a devastating impact on aquatic ecosystems. In addition, air pollution from the burning of fossil fuels and vehicle emissions adds another layer of pressure on water resources, contributing to the accumulation of toxic substances such as microplastics and PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known for their harmful effects on the environment and health human.

• Climate change and overexploitation of resources

Climate change is another major factor influencing the health of Europe's waters. Extreme phenomena such as prolonged droughts and floods have become more frequent, and freshwater resources are overexploited to meet the growing demand for drinking water and for agriculture. These changes affect the fragile balance of aquatic ecosystems and contribute to the deterioration of water quality. Reducing water consumption and restoring ecosystems thus become essential priorities for European governments. The EEA report highlights the need for rapid and effective intervention to restore the health of rivers, lakes and groundwater, vital resources for the well-being of future generations.

• Reduction of pesticides

One of the major solutions proposed by AEM is changing agricultural practices. The report recommends a shift to more sustainable agro-ecological methods that reduce the impact on the environment, accompanied by incentive measures for farmers and a change in dietary habits at the population level. A 50% reduction in pesticide use by 2030 is an ambitious but necessary goal to limit the contamination of water resources. This transition requires not only political will, but also a concerted effort from all actors involved, from farmers and consumers to governments and environmental organizations. Without concrete and quick measures, Europe risks losing one of its most valuable natural resources.

The crisis of water resources in Europe can no longer be overlooked. From chemical pollution and unsustainable agricultural practices, to the effects of climate change and overexploitation of water, all these challenges require firm and swift action. Europe's waters are at risk, and future generations risk inheriting a poorer planet with increasingly limited water resources. The AEM report is both a wake-up call and a call to action.