Waterbase WISE State of Environment (SoE) provides data and information on the status and quality of Europe’s waters

Thematic stories

Monitoring pesticide pollution in European rivers, lakes and groundwater

Monitoring pesticide pollution in European rivers, lakes and groundwater

Pesticide pollution of rivers, lakes and groundwater remains an environmental and human health concern across Europe. Despite regulatory efforts, certain pesticides continue to exceed concentrations considered safe, posing risks to ecosystem and water resources.

23,2%

of surface water bodies exceeded quality thresholds

for pesticides in 2023

12,3%

of groundwater water bodies exceeded quality thresholds

for pesticides in 2023

Access and download the WISE SoE data

Access the Waterbase WISE State of Environment (SoE): an EEA’s database on the status and quality of Europe’s water resources, including rivers, lakes, groundwater bodies and transitional, coastal waters. 

Frequently asked questions

Browse through our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the WISE SoE datasets, the reporting data and main questions on how to use and download the data. This FAQ section is a living document, which may be updated with additional questions and answers.