Water Framework Directive

Viele Gewässer enthalten umweltbelastende Stoffe, zu denen auch Arzneimittel und deren Abbauprodukte gehören. Auch im Grundwasser und somit im Rohwasser für unser Trinkwasser werden Rückstände von Arzneimitteln gemessen.
Diese sogenannten Spurenstoffe können sich bereits in sehr niedrigen Konzentrationen nachteilig auf die Lebenswelt im Wasser und die menschliche Gesundheit auswirken.

Water bodies can contribute to climate change as sources of greenhouse gases – this is the conclusion of a new UBA study. Modified water bodies in particular emit carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. Renaturalisation and the reconnection of floodplains can help to reduce these emissions and enable water bodies to act as greenhouse gas sinks.

Pesticides can cause damage to the environment. A project coordinated by the German Environment Agency for the European Environment Agency provides the first overview of pesticides in rivers. lakes and groundwater reported by EU Member States. The report confirms that additional measures are necessary to ensure compliance with environmental quality standards in waters.

How much water is used in Germany and for what purposes? What are the pressures on our waters? What is being done about it? Find out the answers to these and many other questions in our two-part Water Resource Management in Germany publication.