European Water Quality Varies, with Climate Change Impacting Safety

This summer, British travelers planning holidays in Europe will be eager to enjoy the continent's beaches and lakes. However, the quality of these waters varies, and it's crucial to be aware of areas that may pose health risks.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) recently published its yearly assessment of water quality across Europe. The agency tested over 22,000 locations, including beaches, rivers, and lakes, for faecal contamination. The findings revealed that a small percentage of these sites did not meet the EU's minimum standards.

The report highlighted Cyprus as having the best bathing waters, with nearly all sites rated as "excellent." Bulgaria and Greece followed closely behind. Other countries with high ratings for safe waters included Austria, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, and Spain. European Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall expressed confidence in the quality of most bathing sites within the EU. The average rating of excellent waters across Europe was 85%.

Switzerland experienced a decline in its water quality ranking compared to the previous year. France and Sweden also showed lower ratings, with France reporting a significant increase in "poor" bathing areas, largely due to a decrease in river water quality. Sweden also recorded a number of sites with "poor" quality water.

At the bottom of the rankings, Albania had a significantly low percentage of excellent quality swimming waters. The EEA attributed the worsening water quality to extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall, which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. These events can lead to pollution from sewer overflows, floods, and surface runoff, potentially increasing health risks for swimmers.