Summary
- Only about one-third of Europe’s surface water is in good health or better, despite an EU target to bring all bodies of water up to good quality.
- Farms and coal-fired power plants have the biggest effect on Europe’s surface water and groundwater.
- Efforts to improve the quality of bodies of water over the past decade have not translated into improved overall status.
- Solutions include reducing demand, releasing fewer harmful substances, and restoring rivers and wetlands.