Most of Europe does not suffer from droughts, floods or poor water quality. Water-borne diseases, such as dysentery, are rare and most tap water is so clean it can be drunk without the danger of falling ill. However, water resources in Europe are, in many areas, under threat from a range of human activities, affecting the quality of inland and marine waters.
Almost a third of Europe?s population lives in countries that experience high water stress. Nitrate and pesticide pollution of groundwater, often caused by farming, remains a significant problem. And water shortages are a major headache in parts of southern Europe where there is a combination of low water availability and high demand from tourism and agriculture. Global warming will only exacerbate this problem for many Mediterranean states.
Interviews:Graham Wood: Inspector, FVO, Ireland.
Eric Poudelet: Head of unit, European Commission, Belgium.
Paola Testori Coggi: Director, European Comission,, Belgium.
Lucien Royen:Farmer, Belgium.
Antoine Cuvillier:Director, EFSA, Italy.
Muriel Detry:General Manager, DETRY, Belgium.
?arko Rov?cek:Chief Veterenary, Border Inspection Post, Slovenia.
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