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Industrial emissions to water decreased in Europe but current levels are still a challenge for European waters

News Published 20 Mar 2019 Last modified 10 Dec 2019

2 min read

Photo: © Peter Vadocz, WaterPIX /EEA

Direct emissions released to water bodies from Europe’s large industrial sites have decreased in recent years for many pollutants. However, industrial pollution transferred through the sewer systems to urban waste water treatment plants (UWWTPs) has slightly increased, putting pressure on the waste water treatment infrastructure. While EU legislation tracks emissions from large industries, the extent of emissions from many small facilities remain largely unknown at European level. These are the key findings of a new European Environment Agency (EEA) analysis on data reported to the European Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (E-PRTR) and under EU legislation on water.