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Environmental information systems
%
of surface waters
are in good
chemical status
The Water Framework Directive (WFD) requires assessment of the chemical status of surface waters. Assessment is based on a list of priority substances. EU-wide standards are set for these substances. If concentrations exceed the standard in a water body, the water body fails to meet good chemical status.
- The Water Framework Directive requires that all water bodies be in good status by 2015, or at the latest by 2027.
- Chemical status in the Water Framework Directive refers to the quality of water in terms of its chemical composition.
- Good status represents the water body condition being as it would be with little or no human impact.
- Furthermore, the assessment of surface waters also includes ecological status.
Chemical status of surface water bodies in the 3rd River Basin Management Plan
In Europe (EU-27), around % of surface water bodies currently reported (2022) are in good chemical status.
A large proportion of surface waters fail to meet good chemical status. This mainly owes to widespread pollution by mercury and brominated diphenyl ethers (flame retardants).
This chart shows the proportion of surface waters in good, failing to achieve good, and unknown chemical status for the EU-27 or selected country.
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Surface water bodies achieving or failing to achieve a good chemical status (percentage)
This map shows the chemical status across Europe at River Basin District level. It shows the share of surface waters achieving good status. Blue river basins are those where the share of surface waters in good status is greater than 50%, whereas those coloured red are where the share in good status is less than 50%.
A map showing chemical status in 1st, 2nd or 3rd River Basin Management Plans can be selected through the drop down menu at the top left.
Chemical status is heavily affected by widespread contamination of a few substances, known as “uPBTs” – ubiquitous, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. Selecting the tab “without uPBT” shows chemical status without these substances.
The map with uPBT shows that large areas of central and northern Europe are failing to meet good chemical status. Without uPBT, most surface waters are in good chemical status.
-Chemical status development between River Basin Management Plans, EU-27
These charts show the development of chemical status over the three RBMP cycles. The proportion of surface waters in good status is declining, which may owe to better knowledge and stricter standards. The proportion in unknown status has decreased.
Hover over the bars to see the number of water bodies.
1st River Basin Management Plan
Total number of reported surface water bodies: 116,822
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2nd River Basin Management Plan
Total number of reported surface water bodies: 108,942
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3rd River Basin Management Plan
Total number of reported surface water bodies: (see the Note)
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Caution is advised when comparing between RBMP cycles, as the results may be affected by the evolution and differences in methods that Member States have used to collect and report information.
