CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en" dir="ltr" prefix="og: https://ogp.me/ns#"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8" /> <meta name="description" content="Ensuring that urban wastewater is properly dealt with to protect the environment and human health." /> <meta name="keywords" content="water protection, water pollution" /> <meta http-equiv="content-language" content="en" /> <link rel="canonical" href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en" /> <meta property="og:determiner" content="auto" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="Environment" /> <meta property="og:type" content="website" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en" /> <meta property="og:title" content="Urban wastewater" /> <meta property="og:description" content="Ensuring that urban wastewater is properly dealt with to protect the environment and human health." /> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Urban wastewater" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Ensuring that urban wastewater is properly dealt with to protect the environment and human health." /> <meta name="twitter:url" content="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en" /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/profiles/contrib/ewcms/modules/ewcms_seo/assets/images/ec-socialmedia-fallback.png" /> <meta property="og:image:alt" content="Environment" /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/profiles/contrib/ewcms/modules/ewcms_seo/assets/images/ec-socialmedia-fallback.png" /> <meta name="twitter:image:alt" content="Environment" /> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge,chrome=1" /> <meta name="Generator" content="Drupal 10 (https://www.drupal.org)" /> <meta name="MobileOptimized" content="width" /> <meta name="HandheldFriendly" content="true" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0" /> <script type="application/json">{"service":"etrans","renderAs":false,"user":"Environment","exclude":".ecl-site-header__language-item,.ecl-site-header__language-selector,.toolbar","languages":{"source":"en","available":["en"]},"config":{"live":true,"mode":"lc2023","targets":{"receiver":"#webtools-etrans"}}}</script> <script type="application/json">{"service":"preview","position":"before"}</script> <link rel="icon" href="/profiles/contrib/ewcms/themes/ewcms_theme/images/favicons/ec/favicon.ico" type="image/vnd.microsoft.icon" /> <link rel="alternate" hreflang="en" href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en" /> <link rel="icon" href="/profiles/contrib/ewcms/themes/ewcms_theme/images/favicons/ec/favicon.svg" type="image/svg+xml" /> <link rel="apple-touch-icon" href="/profiles/contrib/ewcms/themes/ewcms_theme/images/favicons/ec/favicon.png" /> <title>Urban wastewater - European Commission</title> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_nP-_BZ0Zr-_yElS8uSOopAarcPPDv2NCcE9ShSGwQu0.css?delta=0&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_mixDCZhyIACm8yG2J8OI-pAGXlCMFo3Y5b8qbwNes_I.css?delta=1&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_rYUHP4XB9YeWVtE9hihiG42lWbrYa73XtYybfGyEW2k.css?delta=2&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_qlMVJTGhe4LN4M5rJtMCh-U7K87kYSUi7bOBaTGaK6k.css?delta=3&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="print" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_Dbb6pyRBT29EM-5YRjOARyzuzxAaye02oScKw98tXXM.css?delta=4&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="/sites/default/files/css/css_5ZDuWI3qizB7Y-XotKT6Y5qHkWwb-zVKME6Cc2j62X8.css?delta=5&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJxtjVEKwzAMQy8U2iOFNPVWM8c2tsOW269sLWWwPyE9SQI5NmgwV2kqDByZcLFiI0NNPjygzUtxSHKSasiR4FmbH84NgdYMrwDjQhmr8E9-6KFyt6Lb-BPuldgH-l4n5IcnLVY-tM-rdS00Xc7UWftC6Bus363zQoQC9Q1t6VUQ" /> </head> <body class="language-en ecl-typography path-node page-node-type-landing-page"> <a href="#main-content" class="ecl-link ecl-link--primary ecl-skip-link" id="skip-id" >Skip to main content</a> <div id="cck_here"></div> <script type="application/json">{"utility":"globan","theme":"light","logo":true,"link":true,"mode":false}</script> <div class="dialog-off-canvas-main-canvas" data-off-canvas-main-canvas> <header class="ecl-site-header " data-ecl-auto-init="SiteHeader" > <div class="ecl-site-header__header"> <div class="ecl-site-header__background"> <div class="ecl-site-header__header"> <div class="ecl-site-header__container ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-site-header__top" data-ecl-site-header-top> <a class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-site-header__logo-link" href="https://commission.europa.eu/index_en" aria-label="Home - European Commission" data-aria-label-en="Home - European Commission" > <picture class="ecl-picture ecl-site-header__picture" title="European Commission" ><source srcset="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/positive/logo-ec--en.svg" media="(min-width: 996px)" ><img class="ecl-site-header__logo-image" src="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/logo-ec--mute.svg" alt="European Commission logo" ></picture> </a> <div class="ecl-site-header__action"> <div class="ecl-site-header__language"><a class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-site-header__language-selector" href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en" data-ecl-language-selector role="button" aria-label="Change language, current language is English - en" aria-controls="language-list-overlay" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-icon"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-site-header__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="false" role="img"><title >en</title><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#global"></use></svg></span>en</a><div class="ecl-site-header__language-container" id="language-list-overlay" hidden data-ecl-language-list-overlay aria-labelledby="ecl-site-header__language-title" role="dialog"><div class="ecl-site-header__language-header"><div class="ecl-site-header__language-title" id="ecl-site-header__language-title" >Select your language</div><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-site-header__language-close ecl-button--icon-only" type="submit" data-ecl-language-list-close ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Close</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close"></use></svg></span></button></div><div class="ecl-site-header__language-content" data-ecl-language-list-content ><div class="ecl-site-header__language-category" data-ecl-language-list-eu><div class="ecl-site-header__language-category-title">EU official languages</div><ul class="ecl-site-header__language-list"><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_bg" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="bg" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">bg</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="bg">български</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_es" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="es" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">es</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="es">español</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_cs" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="cs" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">cs</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="cs">čeština</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_da" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="da" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">da</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="da">dansk</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_de" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="de" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">de</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="de">Deutsch</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_et" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="et" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">et</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="et">eesti</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_el" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="el" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">el</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="el">ελληνικά</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link ecl-site-header__language-link--active" hreflang="en" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">en</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="en">English</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_fr" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="fr" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">fr</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="fr">français</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="ga" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">ga</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="ga">Gaeilge</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_hr" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="hr" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">hr</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="hr">hrvatski</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_it" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="it" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">it</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="it">italiano</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_lv" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="lv" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">lv</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="lv">latviešu</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_lt" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="lt" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">lt</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="lt">lietuvių</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_hu" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="hu" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">hu</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="hu">magyar</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_mt" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="mt" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">mt</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="mt">Malti</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_nl" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="nl" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">nl</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="nl">Nederlands</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_pl" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="pl" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">pl</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="pl">polski</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_pt" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="pt" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">pt</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="pt">português</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_ro" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="ro" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">ro</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="ro">română</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_sk" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="sk" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">sk</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="sk">slovenčina</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_sl" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="sl" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">sl</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="sl">slovenščina</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_fi" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="fi" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">fi</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="fi">suomi</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_sv" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" hreflang="sv" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">sv</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label" lang="sv">svenska</span></a></li></ul></div><div class="ecl-site-header__language-category" data-ecl-language-list-non-eu><div class="ecl-site-header__language-category-title">Other languages</div><ul class="ecl-site-header__language-list"><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_ru" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" lang="ru" hreflang="ru" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">ru</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label">русский</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-header__language-item"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_uk" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-site-header__language-link" lang="uk" hreflang="uk" ><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-code">uk</span><span class="ecl-site-header__language-link-label">yкраїнська</span></a></li></ul></div></div></div></div> <div class="ecl-site-header__search-container" role="search"> <a class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-site-header__search-toggle" href="" data-ecl-search-toggle="true" aria-controls="oe-search-search-form" aria-expanded="false" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-site-header__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="img"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#search"></use></svg>Search </a> <form class="ecl-search-form ecl-site-header__search" role="search" action="/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en?prefLang=ga" method="post" id="oe-search-search-form" accept-charset="UTF-8" data-ecl-search-form ><div class="ecl-form-group"><label for="edit-keys" id="edit-keys-label" class="ecl-form-label ecl-search-form__label" >Search</label><input id="edit-keys" class="ecl-text-input ecl-text-input--m ecl-search-form__text-input form-search ecl-search-form__text-input" name="keys" type="search" ></div><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-search-form__button ecl-search-form__button" type="submit" ><span class="ecl-button__container"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#search"></use></svg><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Search</span></span></button><input data-drupal-selector="form-mhvjqdie8afb5y2yph1ve9m9ul27oiejamfpyf4s36y" type="hidden" name="form_build_id" value="form-mhvjqdie8aFb5y2ypH1Ve9M9uL27oiejAmfPyF4s36Y" /><input data-drupal-selector="edit-oe-search-search-form" type="hidden" name="form_id" value="oe_search_search_form" /></form> <script type="application/json">{"service":"search","results":"in","form":".ecl-search-form","lang":"en","key":"europa_default"}</script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div> <div id="block-machinetranslation"> <div class="ecl-lang-select-page ecl-u-pv-m"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="webtools-etrans--wrapper"> <div id="webtools-etrans"></div> <div class="webtools-etrans--message"> <div class="ecl-notification ecl-notification--info" data-ecl-notification role="alert" data-ecl-auto-init="Notification" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-notification__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="false" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#information"></use></svg><div class="ecl-notification__content"><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--tertiary ecl-notification__close ecl-button--icon-only" type="button" data-ecl-notification-close ><span class="ecl-button__container"><span class="ecl-button__label" data-ecl-label="true">Dún an teachtaireacht seo</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-button__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" data-ecl-icon><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#close"></use></svg></span></button><div class="ecl-notification__description"><p>Tá an Ghaeilge ar fáil trí eTranslation, seirbhís meaisínaistriúcháin an Choimisiúin Eorpaigh.</p><a href="" class="webtools-etrans--translate">Aistrigh go Gaeilge</a> | <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/languages-our-websites/use-machine-translation-europa_ga" class="webtools-etrans--disclaimer" target="_blank">Eolas tábhachtach faoin meaisínaistriúchán</a></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-site-header__banner-top"> <div class="ecl-container"> <a href="https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited" data-header-class-link="true" data-header-class-link-label-en="Energy, Climate change, Environment">Energy, Climate change, Environment</a> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-site-header__banner"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-site-header__site-name">Environment</div> </div> </div> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-horizontal-menu"> </div> </header> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl" id="block-ewcms-theme-page-header"> <div class="ecl-page-header" ><div class="ecl-container"><nav class="ecl-breadcrumb ecl-page-header__breadcrumb" aria-label="You are here:" aria-label="" data-ecl-breadcrumb="true" data-ecl-auto-init="Breadcrumb" ><ol class="ecl-breadcrumb__container"><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/index_en?prefLang=ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Home</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment ecl-breadcrumb__segment--ellipsis" data-ecl-breadcrumb-ellipsis aria-hidden="true" ><button class="ecl-button ecl-button--ghost ecl-breadcrumb__ellipsis" type="button" data-ecl-breadcrumb-ellipsis-button aria-label="" >…</button><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="expandable"><a href="/topics_en?prefLang=ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Topics</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static"><a href="/topics/water_en?prefLang=ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--no-visited ecl-breadcrumb__link" >Water</a><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--fluid ecl-breadcrumb__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" role="presentation"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></li><li class="ecl-breadcrumb__segment ecl-breadcrumb__current-page" data-ecl-breadcrumb-item="static" aria-current="page">Urban wastewater</li></ol></nav><div class="ecl-page-header__info"><h1 class="ecl-page-header__title"><span>Urban wastewater</span></h1></div><div class="ecl-page-header__description-container"><p class="ecl-page-header__description">Ensuring that urban wastewater is properly dealt with to protect the environment and human health. </p></div></div></div> </div> <main class="ecl-u-pb-xl" id="main-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2.ecl-u-type-heading-2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-container"> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12 ewcms-top-sidebar"> <div> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-main-page-content" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading" class="ecl-u-mb-l"> <article dir="ltr"> <div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3912"></a> <div class="ecl-row inpage-navigation-container"> <div class="ecl-col-l-3"> <nav class="ecl-inpage-navigation oe-theme-ecl-inpage-navigation ecl-u-z-dropdown" data-ecl-auto-init="InpageNavigation" data-ecl-auto-initialized="true" data-ecl-inpage-navigation="true" aria-labelledby="ecl-inpage-navigation-570040844" ><div class="ecl-inpage-navigation__title" id="ecl-inpage-navigation-570040844">Page contents</div><div class="ecl-inpage-navigation__body"><div class="ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger-wrapper"><button type="button" class="ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger" id="ecl-inpage-navigation-570040844-trigger" data-ecl-inpage-navigation-trigger="true" aria-controls="ecl-inpage-navigation-list" aria-expanded="false"><span class="ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger-current" data-ecl-inpage-navigation-trigger-current="true">Page contents</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-inpage-navigation__trigger-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="false" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#corner-arrow"></use></svg></button></div><ul class="ecl-inpage-navigation__list" data-ecl-inpage-navigation-list="true" id="ecl-inpage-navigation-570040844-list"></ul></div></nav> </div> <div class="ecl-col-l-9" data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2, div.ecl-featured-item__heading"> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3899"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Overview</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>Urban wastewater is one of the main sources of water pollution if it is not collected and treated according to EU rules. It contains organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorous. These are all removed when properly treated; otherwise, they can lead to eutrophication. It can also be contaminated with harmful chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, which, when untreated and discharged into the environment, affect our health and damage our rivers, lakes, and coastal water.</p><p>The EU’s Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive currently in force is more than 30 years old. Since its adoption in 1991, the quality of European rivers, lakes and seas has dramatically improved. EU countries have set up collecting systems and wastewater treatment plants with the help of EU funding. Yet there is still pollution that needs to be addressed and is not covered by the current rules. To address this, the Commission has proposed <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/urban-wastewater_en#revision" class="ecl-link">an update</a> to the Directive.</p></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3900"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Objectives</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>The Directive aims to protect human health and the environment from the effects of untreated urban wastewater. It therefore requires EU countries to ensure that towns, cities and settlements properly collect and treat wastewater. It aims to</p> <ul> <li>protect the environment from the adverse effects of urban wastewater discharges and discharges from certain industrial sectors</li> <li>ensure that domestic and industrial wastewater is effectively collected, treated and discharged</li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3904"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2"> In the EU </h2> <div class="ecl-fact-figures ecl-fact-figures--col-3" ><div class="ecl-fact-figures__items"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">Over 90% </div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of urban wastewater is dealt with in line with EU standards</div></div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">92% </div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">of toxic pollutants in wastewater come from the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors</div></div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__item"><div class="ecl-fact-figures__value">10 million </div><div class="ecl-fact-figures__title">Europeans still lack access to basic sanitation services</div></div></div></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3905"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Law </h2> <div class="ecl"><p>The Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) <a href="http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31991L0271">(Council Directive 91/271/EEC)</a> requires</p> <ul> <li>the collection and treatment of wastewater in all urban areas of more than 2000 people</li> <li>secondary treatment of all discharges from urban areas of more than 2000 people, and more advanced treatment for urban areas of more than 10000 people in catchments with sensitive waters</li> <li>pre-authorisation of all urban wastewater discharges, discharges from the food-processing industry and industrial discharges into urban wastewater collection systems</li> <li>monitoring of the performance of treatment plants and receiving waters</li> <li>controls of sewage sludge disposal and reuse, and treated wastewater reuse whenever it is appropriate.</li> </ul> <h3>Other laws</h3> <ul> <li><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31998L0015">Directive 98/15/EC</a> – amending the UWWTD and clarifying the requirements regarding discharges from urban wastewater treatment plants to sensitive areas subject to eutrophication.</li> <li><a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1405007191767&uri=CELEX:32014D0431">Commission Implementing Decision 2014/431/EU of 26 June 2014 concerning formats for reporting on the national programmes for the implementation of Council Directive 91/271/EEC</a></li> <li><a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/w/browse/b5f6847d-53fb-4894-8410-709e265f7f83">Commission Implementing Decision 2014/431/EEC excel templates (EIONET)</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3906"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Revision</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>On <strong>26 October 2022</strong>, the Commission <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/publications/proposal-revised-urban-wastewater-treatment-directive_en" class="ecl-link">revised the Directive</a> in line with the results of an evaluation and on the basis of an extensive impact assessment, adapting it to the newest standards. The revision aims to</p> <ul> <li>reduce pollution, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions</li> <li>improve water quality by addressing remaining urban wastewater pollution</li> <li>improve access to sanitation especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised</li> <li>make industry pay to treat micropollutants</li> <li>require EU countries to monitor pathogens in wastewater</li> <li>lead to a more circular sector</li> </ul> <p>By 2040 the new rules will</p> <ul> <li>save almost EUR 3 billion per year across the EU</li> <li>reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 60% compared to 1990</li> <li>decrease water pollution by more than 365 thousand tonnes</li> <li>cut microplastics emissions by 9%</li> </ul> <p>Many stakeholders were consulted on the revision, as well as the general public through an <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/12405-Revision-of-the-Urban-Wastewater-Treatment-Directive/public-consultation_en">online public consultation</a>.</p> <p>Find out more about the revision in the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_22_6278" class="ecl-link">press release</a> and <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_22_6281" class="ecl-link">Questions and Answers.</a></p> <p>On 29th January 2024, Council and Parliament reached a <a href="https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-7108-2024-INIT/en/pdf" class="ecl-link">provisional agreement on the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.</a>. The co-legislators will now vote on the text. Once the new text has been adopted, it will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and consequently enters into force.</p> <h3>Evaluation</h3> <p>The 2019 evaluation of the Directive found that it is overall very effective when fully implemented. The reduction of organic matter and other pollution in treated wastewater has improved water quality throughout the EU. Implementing the Directive has been expensive, but the benefits clearly outweigh the costs.</p> <p>However, it found that there is still pollution that needs to be addressed and is not covered by the current rules. This includes pollution from smaller cities, storm water overflows as well as micropollutants, such as residues from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics that end up in the environment and need to be treated. The sector is also one of the biggest consumers of energy in the public domain, so there is huge potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help Europe to become energy- and climate-neutral.</p> <ul type="disc"> <li>Staff Working Document on the <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52019SC0700&qid=1690378833708" class="ecl-link">Evaluation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive</a></li> <li><a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/1c566741-ee2f-41e7-a915-7bd88bae7c03/library/6ced6b22-0d17-49ea-81e1-a235c0d00fbb?p=1&n=10&sort=name_DESC" class="ecl-link">Executive summary of the Evaluation</a></li> <li><a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/1c566741-ee2f-41e7-a915-7bd88bae7c03/library/1e3e4222-ce4f-4e8c-9e59-a7645816afd3" class="ecl-link">Stakeholder synopsis report</a></li> <li><a href="http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC115607">The effects of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive</a> – A Science for Policy Report by the Joint Research Centre</li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3907"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Implementation</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>All 27 Member States are required to report to the Commission on the measures taken to implement the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. </p> <h3>Reporting requirements</h3> <p>To monitor implementation progress, the Commission requires countries to adhere to certain reporting requirements.</p> <ul> <li>Member States must ensure that situation reports on the disposal of urban wastewater and sludge are published by the relevant authorities or bodies every two years. The Directive requires that the Commission also receive a copy of the report. (Article 16 of the Directive)</li> <li>Member States must provide the Commission with information on the status and programme of implementation for the Directive. Commission Decision 93/481/EEC provides the information that this report should contain and the format in which it should be supplied. The first report should be updated every two years. (Article 17 of the Directive)</li> <li>Member States must collect monitoring data and to make it available to the Commission within 6 months of receipt of a request. To date the Commission has issued such requests every two years. (Article 15 of the Directive)</li> </ul> <h3>Implementation reports</h3> <p>Implementation reports summarise the measures implemented by the Member States and assess the information received.</p> <p><a href="/topics/water/urban-wastewater/implementation-reports_en?prefLang=ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--cta">View the implementation reports</a></p> <h3>Country profiles</h3> <p>Find key <a href="http://water.europa.eu/freshwater/countries/uwwt">data</a> on how the Directive is implemented in the EU as a whole, as well as in each Member State, Norway and Iceland.</p></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3908"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Wastewater monitoring</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater surveillance has been used as a relatively cheap and reliable tool to help track the presence of the virus. Since there is a correlation between the quantities of the SARS-CoV-2 virus found in wastewaters and the number of persons infected in a particular area, wastewater surveillance can serve as an early warning or management tool.</p> <p>In March 2021, the Commission adopted a <a href="https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32021H0472&qid=1616408530133">Recommendation on monitoring COVID-19 and its variants in wastewaters in the EU</a>. This Recommendation is part of a <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/files/communication-common-path-safe-and-sustained-re-opening_en">set of COVID-19 measures</a> adopted by the Commission as announced in the <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/sites/info/files/communication-hera-incubator-anticipating-threat-covid-19-variants_en.pdf">European preparedness plan entitled the ‘HERA Incubator’</a>. The aim is to provide new independent information on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 and its variant in wastewater. This will be an important source of additional and complementary information for public health decision-making.</p> <p>The revised Directive will be a game changer in terms of monitoring pandemics. It introduces the requirement for EU countries to set up monitoring of health parameters in urban wastewater for: SARS-CoV-2 virus and its variants, but also polio and influenza viruses, emerging pathogens, contaminants of emerging concern, and any other public health parameters that are considered relevant by the national competent authorities for monitoring.</p> <p>More information on <a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/1c566741-ee2f-41e7-a915-7bd88bae7c03/library/6494f9af-8d22-488b-adbc-f7c1844e79f8/details?download=true" class="ecl-link">Tracking COVID-19 employing waste waters</a></p></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3909"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Studies and publications</h2> <div class="ecl"><ul><li><a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/1c566741-ee2f-41e7-a915-7bd88bae7c03/library/b06fbcef-2bf6-4196-a988-f0c963cd1d7c/details?download=true">Terms and Definitions of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive 91/271/EEC</a> – Guidance for implementation and for reporting under the Directive</li><li><a href="http://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC115607">The effects of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive</a> – A Science for Policy Report by the Joint Research Centre</li><li><a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/1c566741-ee2f-41e7-a915-7bd88bae7c03/library/f961a8a1-c794-41db-9409-6f146842dac9/details?download=true">Study supporting the Evaluation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive</a></li><li>Cooperation agreement with the OECD on <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/economics/OECD_study_en.htm">Estimating investment needs and financing capacities for water-related investment in EU Member States</a>.</li><li><a href="https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2779/599093" class="ecl-link">Trionomics et al. (2022). Study to support the Impact Assessment of the UWWTD</a></li><li>Joint Research Centre (2022) <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157593" class="ecl-link ecl-link--icon ecl-link--icon-after"><span class="ecl-link__label">Treatment of micropollutants in wastewater: Balancing effectiveness, costs and implications</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#external" /></svg></a></li><li>Joint Research Centre (2022)<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969722042218?via%3Dihub" class="ecl-link ecl-link--icon ecl-link--icon-after"><span class="ecl-link__label"> European scale assessment of the potential of ozonation and activated carbon treatment to reduce micropollutant emissions with wastewater</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#external" /></svg></a>.</li><li>Bio Innovation Service et al. (2022) <a href="https://circabc.europa.eu/ui/group/1c566741-ee2f-41e7-a915-7bd88bae7c03/library/1f2054a9-8a9b-4ea0-b32a-a063a4991e66/details?download=true" class="ecl-link">Feasibility of an EPR system for micro-pollutants</a></li></ul></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3910"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Related links</h2> <div class="ecl"><p><strong>Related laws:</strong> <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/index_en.html">Water Framework Directive</a>, <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-nitrates/index_en.html">Nitrates Directive</a>, <a href="http://ec.europa.eu/environment/industry/stationary/index.htm">Directives relating to the prevention and control of industrial emissions</a>, <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/waste-and-recycling/sewage-sludge_en" class="ecl-link">Sewage Sludge Directive</a></p> <p><strong>Related topics: </strong><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/industrial-emissions_en">Industrial emissions</a>, <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/topics/urban-environment_en">Urban environment </a></p> <p><strong>Related strategies:</strong> <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/circular-economy-action-plan_en">Circular economy action plan</a>, <a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/strategy/zero-pollution-action-plan_en">Zero pollution action plan</a></p> <p><strong>Related Commission priorities:</strong> <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en">European Green Deal</a></p> <p><strong>More information: </strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.eionet.europa.eu/">The European Environment Information and Observation Network (Eionet)</a></li> <li><a href="https://water.europa.eu/">Water Information System for Europe (WISE) portal</a></li> </ul></div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_3911"></a> <h2 class="ecl-u-type-heading-2">Contact</h2> <div class="ecl"><p>For questions about EU environmental policy, please contact <a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu_en">Europe Direct.</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div data-inpage-navigation-source-area="h2"> <div id="block-waternews"> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_4024"></a> <div id="block-relatedstories" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Related Stories</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-11/LIFE%20-%20news%20articles%20%20%2832%29.png?h=8abcec71&itok=F7t6nlNJ" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-11-14T12:00:00Z">14 November 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/life-heart-waterwiseeu-campaign-2024-11-14_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >LIFE at the heart of #WaterWiseEU campaign </a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#clock"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">2 min read</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-10/WaterMaters_EP10_CulturalHeritageOfWater_Still-12-CreditValyo.png?h=d1cb525d&itok=NyXM_gpU" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-10-23T12:00:00Z">23 October 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/news/video-how-reconnect-european-rivers-through-art-2024-10-23_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >VIDEO: Reconnecting with European rivers through art</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#clock"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">1 min read</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 "><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-10/WaterMaters_S01EP9_21.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=IyvfBxF1" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-10-09T12:00:00Z">9 October 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/news/video-can-tourist-industry-stay-afloat-drier-regions-2024-10-09_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >VIDEO: Can the tourist industry stay afloat in regions with less water?</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#clock"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">1 min read</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/avportal/P-045075/00-79.jpg?itok=JtAenOXD" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-10-01T12:00:00Z">1 October 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/news/video-can-desalination-help-address-our-freshwater-needs-2024-10-01_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >VIDEO: Can desalination help address Europe's freshwater needs?</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#clock"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">1 min read</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-09/WaterMaters_S01EP8_03.jpg?h=d1cb525d&itok=1KwfwhFw" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-09-25T12:00:00Z">25 September 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/news/video-portuguese-farmers-fight-drought-major-tourist-region-2024-09-25_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >VIDEO: Portuguese farmers fight drought in region brimming with tourists</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#clock"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">1 min read</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-picture--zoom ecl-card__picture" data-ecl-picture-link ><img class="ecl-card__image" src="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-09/Booklet_general_SM_1600x900_2.jpg?h=9b6ba9a8&itok=fnJbHVoz" alt="" ></picture><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">News article</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-09-19T12:00:00Z">19 September 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/news/celebrating-40-years-eu-research-and-innovation-2024-09-19_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Celebrating 40 years of EU Research and Innovation</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#clock"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">1 min read</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__button ecl-col-12"><div class="ecl-u-clearfix ecl-u-pv-m"><a href="/news_en?f%5B0%5D=oe_news_subject%3Ahttp%3A//data.europa.eu/uxp/2530&f%5B1%5D=oe_news_subject%3Ahttp%3A//data.europa.eu/uxp/6398" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_9192"></a> <div id="block-relatedevents" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Related Events</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Conferences and summits</li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/european-water-technology-week-2024-09-23_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >European Water Technology Week</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#calendar"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Monday 23 September 2024, 02:00 - Thursday 26 September 2024, 02:00 (GMT+0200)</span></li><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#location"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Leeuwarden, Netherlands</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Training and workshops</li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/life-nextfumigreen-new-chemical-free-agriculture-2024-06-18_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >LIFE NextFUMIGREEN: New chemical-free agriculture</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#calendar"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Tuesday 18 June 2024, 12:00 - 13:30 (GMT+0200)</span></li><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#location"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Almería, Spain</span></li><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#livestreaming"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Live streaming available</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 ecl-col-l-4 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-card" ><div class="ecl-card__body"><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-card__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Conferences and summits</li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/news-events/events/life-ecodigestion-20-eu-green-week-partner-event-water-resilience-eu-projects-2024-05-30_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >LIFE ECOdigestion 2.0 EU Green Week Partner Event - "Water resilience with EU projects"</a></div><ul class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#calendar"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Thursday 30 May 2024, 12:30 - 14:30 (GMT+0200)</span></li><li class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-item"><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--s ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#livestreaming"></use></svg><span class="ecl-content-block__secondary-meta-label">Live streaming available</span></li></ul></div></div></article></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__button ecl-col-12"><div class="ecl-u-clearfix ecl-u-pv-m"><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/environment/all-events_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-u-mb-2xl"> <a id="paragraph_9193"></a> <div id="block-relatedpublications" class="ecl-u-mt-l"> <div class="ecl-content-item-block"><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__title ecl-col-12"><h2 class='ecl-u-type-heading-2'>Related Publications</h2></div></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">General publications</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-10-29T12:00:00Z">29 October 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="https://cinea.ec.europa.eu/publications/life-leads-way-water-resilience-factsheet_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >LIFE leads the way to water resilience - Factsheet</a></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 "><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Delegated act</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-03-11T12:00:00Z">11 March 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/publications/delegated-act-measure-microplastics-water_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Commission Delegated Decision laying down a methodology to measure microplastics in water intended for human consumption</a></div></div></article></div><div class="ecl-content-item-block__item contextual-region ecl-u-mb-l ecl-col-12 last-item-column last-item"><article class="ecl-content-item" ><div class="ecl-content-block ecl-content-item__content-block" data-ecl-auto-init="ContentBlock" data-ecl-content-block ><ul class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-container"><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item">Notice to stakeholders</li><li class="ecl-content-block__primary-meta-item"><time datetime="2024-03-11T12:00:00Z">11 March 2024</time></li></ul><div class="ecl-content-block__title"data-ecl-title-link><a href="/publications/notice-under-marine-strategy-framework-directive_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone" >Commission notice on the threshold values set under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive</a></div></div></article></div></div><div class="ecl-u-border-color-neutral ecl-u-border-width-1 ecl-u-border-top"></div><div class="ecl-row"><div class="ecl-content-item-block__button ecl-col-12"><div class="ecl-u-clearfix ecl-u-pv-m"><a href="/publications_en?prefLang=ga&f%5B0%5D=oe_publication_subject%3Ahttp%3A//data.europa.eu/uxp/2530&f%5B1%5D=oe_publication_subject%3Ahttp%3A//data.europa.eu/uxp/6398" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--icon" ><span class="ecl-link__label">See all</span><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--xs ecl-icon--rotate-180 ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons/sprites/icons.svg#arrow-left"></use></svg></a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="ecl-row"> <div class="ecl-col-s-12"> <div> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-socialshare"> <div class="ecl-social-media-share"> <p class="ecl-social-media-share__description"> Share this page </p> <script type="application/json">{"service":"share","version":"2.0","networks":["twitter","facebook","linkedin","email","more"],"display":"icons","stats":true,"selection":true}</script> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </main> <div id="block-ewcms-theme-pagefeedbackform"> <script type="application/json">{"service":"dff","id":"YlE8mQcJ_dff_v2","lang":"en","version":"2.0"}</script> </div> <footer class="ecl-site-footer" data-logo-area-label-en="Home - European Commission" ><div class="ecl-container ecl-site-footer__container"><div class="ecl-site-footer__row"><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section ecl-site-footer__section--site-info"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title"><a href="https://environment.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-site-footer__title-link" >Environment</a></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__description">This site is managed by:<br />Directorate-General for Environment</div></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title">Contact us</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/environment_en#contact" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Contact us" data-footer-link-label="Contact DG Environment" >Contact DG Environment</a></li></ul></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title">Follow us</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list ecl-site-footer__list--inline"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://twitter.com/EU_ENV" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="Twitter" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#twitter-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">Twitter</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EUEnvironment/" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="Facebook" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#facebook-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">Facebook</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ourplanet_eu/" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="Instagram" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#instagram-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">Instagram</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/EUEnvironment" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="YouTube" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#youtube-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">YouTube</span></a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/eu-environment-climate/" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-link--icon ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Follow us" data-footer-link-label="LinkedIn" ><svg class="ecl-icon ecl-icon--m ecl-link__icon" focusable="false" aria-hidden="true" ><use xlink:href="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/icons-social-media/sprites/icons-social-media.svg#linkedin-negative"></use></svg><span class="ecl-link__label">LinkedIn</span></a></li></ul></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title">About us</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/departments-and-executive-agencies/environment_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="About us" data-footer-link-label="About us" >About us</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="/accessibility-statement_en?prefLang=ga" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="About us" data-footer-link-label="Accessibility" >Accessibility</a></li></ul></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><div class="ecl-site-footer__title">Related sites</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/food-farming-fisheries_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Related sites" data-footer-link-label="Agriculture" >Agriculture</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Related sites" data-footer-link-label="Fisheries" >Fisheries</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://climate.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Related sites" data-footer-link-label="Climate action" >Climate action</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://energy.ec.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Related sites" data-footer-link-label="Energy" >Energy</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://climate-pact.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="Related sites" data-footer-link-label="European Climate Pact" >European Climate Pact</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__row"><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section ecl-footer-class-links"><div class="ecl-site-footer__description">More information on:</div><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/energy-climate-change-environment_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-footer-class-link-en="Energy, Climate change, Environment" >Energy, Climate change, Environment</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__row"><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/index_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-site-footer__logo-link" ><picture class="ecl-picture ecl-site-footer__picture" title="European Commission" ><source srcset="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/negative/logo-ec--en.svg" media="(min-width: 996px)" ><img class="ecl-site-footer__logo-image" src="/themes/contrib/oe_theme/dist/ec/images/logo/negative/logo-ec--en.svg" alt="European Commission logo" ></picture></a></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Contact the European Commission" >Contact the European Commission</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://european-union.europa.eu/contact-eu/social-media-channels_en#/search?page=0&institutions=european_commission" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Follow the European Commission on social media" >Follow the European Commission on social media</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/resources-partners_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Resources for partners" >Resources for partners</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/legal-notice/vulnerability-disclosure-policy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="service_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Report an IT vulnerability" >Report an IT vulnerability</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="ecl-site-footer__column"><div class="ecl-site-footer__section"><ul class="ecl-site-footer__list"><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/languages-our-websites_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Languages on our websites" >Languages on our websites</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/cookies_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Cookies" >Cookies</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/privacy-policy_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Privacy policy" >Privacy policy</a></li><li class="ecl-site-footer__list-item"><a href="https://commission.europa.eu/legal-notice_en" class="ecl-link ecl-link--standalone ecl-link--inverted ecl-site-footer__link" data-section-label-untranslated="legal_navigation" data-footer-link-label="Legal notice" >Legal notice</a></li></ul></div></div></div></div></footer> </div> <script type="application/json">{"utility":"piwik","siteID":"207","sitePath":["environment.ec.europa.eu"],"siteSection":"water","instance":"ec.europa.eu","dimensions":[{"id":3,"value":"Landing Page"},{"id":4,"value":"water-pollution water-protection"},{"id":5,"value":"Directorate-General-for-Environment"},{"id":6,"value":"Urban wastewater"},{"id":7,"value":"a987c44f-33c8-4716-894b-e64097a9255c"},{"id":8,"value":"EC - STANDARDISED"},{"id":9,"value":"climate-change-policy degradation-of-the-environment environmental-issue environmental-policy environmental-protection pollution water-pollution water-protection"}]}</script> <script type="application/json">{"utility":"cck"}</script> <script type="application/json" data-drupal-selector="drupal-settings-json">{"path":{"baseUrl":"\/","pathPrefix":"","currentPath":"node\/1476","currentPathIsAdmin":false,"isFront":false,"currentLanguage":"en","urlSuffixes":["bg","cs","da","de","et","el","en","es","fr","ga","hr","it","lv","lt","hu","mt","nl","pl","pt","ro","sk","sl","fi","sv","tr","ar","ca","is","no","uk","ru","zh","lb","sw","he","ja"],"currentQuery":{"prefLang":"ga"}},"pluralDelimiter":"\u0003","suppressDeprecationErrors":true,"ewcms_multilingual":{"preferred_language":"ga","preferred_language_label":"Gaeilge","preferred_language_code":"ga"},"ajaxTrustedUrl":{"form_action_p_pvdeGsVG5zNF_XLGPTvYSKCf43t8qZYSwcfZl2uzM":true},"user":{"uid":0,"permissionsHash":"b92562e1a646f8da5f48725b6694e4e850b94d91155426a08cd773c817cb33b1"}}</script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_I6n5JLWnQPv-pjAJTDpeJSiBxbjzNE_KHsxacnOLWgk.js?scope=footer&delta=0&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJyVjd0OgzAIhV_IzUciWEkloWAorfPtZzbN4uXuOHznxwg2msJM6jh7W1Gel37Ugh5iOJMPRhALFRqTldWUNEB4cvQdKP0ovYJcUaD2PNCWSr3A58YD7cGpnqw0CRbW3FBOS8G0sB59jloFg01B7RjrdC9MUJt32m9f1hUzgWLn_M06Fesofw2-AU07b4g"></script> <script src="https://webtools.europa.eu/load.js" defer></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_Z2dDdEg_tM_RAXk8yxWX1N9HRzsPvW7ou7MWpUIsQZ0.js?scope=footer&delta=2&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJyVjd0OgzAIhV_IzUciWEkloWAorfPtZzbN4uXuOHznxwg2msJM6jh7W1Gel37Ugh5iOJMPRhALFRqTldWUNEB4cvQdKP0ovYJcUaD2PNCWSr3A58YD7cGpnqw0CRbW3FBOS8G0sB59jloFg01B7RjrdC9MUJt32m9f1hUzgWLn_M06Fesofw2-AU07b4g"></script> <script src="https://ec.europa.eu/wel/surveys/wr_survey01/wr_survey.js" defer></script> <script src="/sites/default/files/js/js_Q2yAwlKBk7gT24GtYE2ZJCaVa5LGXrMNRPh2Z3FwUqQ.js?scope=footer&delta=4&language=en&theme=ewcms_theme&include=eJyVjd0OgzAIhV_IzUciWEkloWAorfPtZzbN4uXuOHznxwg2msJM6jh7W1Gel37Ugh5iOJMPRhALFRqTldWUNEB4cvQdKP0ovYJcUaD2PNCWSr3A58YD7cGpnqw0CRbW3FBOS8G0sB59jloFg01B7RjrdC9MUJt32m9f1hUzgWLn_M06Fesofw2-AU07b4g"></script> </body> </html>