European Commission reports improved water quality

The European Commission (EC) has revealed that water quality around the continent is improving but noted that there are some areas which still need to boost their record on nitrate pollution.

Figures released by the agency specifically relate to levels of the chemical in watercourses and lakes across Europe.

According to the EC's data, nitrate concentrations at 70 per cent of the surface water sites it monitors either fell or remained constant between 2004 and 2007.

Groundwater quality is slightly poorer, with 66 per cent of sites registering stable or improved levels of nitrates.

Particular areas of concern include Brittany in France, England, Flanders in Belgium and Malta.

Environment commissioner Janez Potocnik commented that these and other regions face a "serious and continuing challenge" to improve water quality.

However, he hailed the efforts of the agricultural sector in its steps to reduce nitrate pollution.

"Farmers have worked hard to improve fertilisation management, which is now yielding benefits and improving water quality trends," Mr Potocnik stated.

More than half of the land in England is designated as a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone by the Environment Agency, which requires farmers in those areas to take extra precautions against pollution caused by the chemical.

Posted by Claire Manning