Press Release: Environment: Water pollution is decreasing but a lot remains to be done

The European Commission's Report to the Council and the European Parliament on the implementation of the Nitrates Directive published on 4 October 2013 revealed that nitrates concentrations were slightly decreasing in both surface and groundwater and sustainable agricultural practices were more widespread. Although the overall trend is positive, nitrates pollution and eutrophication are still causing problems in many Member States and further action is needed to bring the waters in the European Union to a good status within a reasonable timescale.

ESO: Background information: Report From The Commission To The Council And The European Parliament on the implementation of Council Directive 91/676/EEC concerning the protection of waters against pollution caused by nitrates from agricultural sources based on Member State reports for the period 2008–2011 http://www.europeansources.info/record/report-from-the-commission-to-the-council-and-the-european-parliament-on-the-implementation-of-council-directive-91-676-eec-concerning-the-protection-of-waters-against-pollution-caused-by-nitrates-fro/

---