14 November 2012: The European Environment Agency (EEA) has published a report assessing the status of European waters in the context of the target set by the EU’s Water Framework Directive (WFD) to improve European waters to a “good” ecological status by 2015. According to the report, only 52% of waters are likely to achieve this goal.

“European Waters – Assessment of Status and Pressures” examines the status of 104,000 rivers, 19,000 lakes, and 4,000 transitional and coastal waters. The report notes that excessive nutrients from agricultural fertilizers are a “significant pressure” in 40% of rivers and coastal waters. Hydromorphological pressures, including dams, straightening and dredging, which alter aquatic habitats and destroy ecosystems, also are identified as a major issue. The report notes that nitrates, ammonium and phosphorous have been declining, but not at the rate needed to meet WFD targets.

The report includes sections on: data sources, methodology and uncertainties; trends in the status of and pressures affecting waters up to the first River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs); ecological status and processes; chemical status; protection of Europe’s aquatic ecosystems and their services; and challenges for achieving “good” status.

The report highlights four key measures for bringing waters up to good status: reducing pollutant emissions through wastewater treatment and good agricultural practices; improving hydromorphological functioning via restoration and changed land-use; ensuring ecological flows; and removing migratory obstacles and transverse structures to restore river continuity.

The report notes the need to balance requirements under the WFD and the Renewable Energy Directive, as hydropower is one of the primary drivers of connectivity loss, altered water flow and sedimentation. The report also calls for sustainable flood risk management, restoration of urban rivers, management of climate change impacts on water resources and participatory approaches. [EEA Press Release] [Publication: European Waters – Assessment of Status and Pressures]