Water

Water is a major source of all life. Streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands and oceans are a habitats for myriads of plants and animals. In addition, groundwater is the main source of drinking water and an underestimated natural habitat. Water mainly contribute to quality of life – food, daily hygiene and recreational activities. As a source of energy, transportation medium and resource, water is also a crucial economic factor. Due to increasing competition, effective protection and careful use of the water is crucial for biodiversity and sustainable uses of this important resource.

Wastewater effluent in rivers: Challenges for drinking water?

Treated urban wastewater is usually discharged to rivers. A UBA study assessed the contributions of wastewater effluents in surface waters in Germany and evaluated potential risks for drinking water abstraction. read more

Can product design prevent marine litter?

Designers can also contribute to solving the problem of marine litter – with the right choice of materials when designing products, for instance. This was the topic of a workshop that was initiated by the UBA in June 2018 with approximately 30 participants from the Baltic Sea Region. The results and specific recommendations for action have now been published. read more

EU Commission proposes regulation for the reuse of water

The reuse of treated waste water can help to reduce water shortages. Reused water can contain pathogens and harmful substances, however. On 28 May 2018, the EU Commission proposed a regulation, on minimum requirements concerning the reuse of water. It aims to protect health and the environment. The UBA considers there to be a need for improvement. read more

New funding priority: Innovative wastewater engineering

zwei Faultürme einer Kläranlage spiegeln sich in einem Nachklärbecken.

Operators of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment facilities can apply for funding under the Environmental Innovation Programme until 15 April 2019 read more

UBA Position on EU minimum requirements for Water Reuse

Wasserwiederverwendung mit möglichen Risiken für die Umwelt und die menschliche Gesundheit einher

The EU Commission is seeking to adopt EU wide minimum quality requirements for water reuse for agricultural irrigation and groundwater recharge by the end of 2017. As the current draft falls short to set standards that are rigorous enough to protect the environment and human health, UBA has published a Scientific Opinion Paper to express its concerns and recommendations. read more

Boat hull paints – a problem for our waters

A sea harbor with many small sail and motor boats.

Copper emissions from antifouling paints should be reduced read more

Discussion in Brussels: materials in contact with drinking water

With Karl-Heinz Florenz (member of the European Parliament, European People's Party), Ingrid Chorus, director of the department for drinking water at the UBA, opened a breakfast session on the topic of materials in contact with drinking water. On 7 June 2018, 50 experts from EU institutions, the EU member states and associations discussed the controversy surrounding the proposal by the Commission. read more