{"id":1925442,"date":"2026-05-08T08:18:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-08T05:18:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1925442"},"modified":"2026-05-08T08:18:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-08T05:18:06","slug":"where-in-europe-is-tap-water-the-most-and-least-safe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1925442","title":{"rendered":"Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/97\/78\/1200x675_cmsv2_270b4fcf-ebaf-53d1-93cf-ae8e487ca89a-9749778.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892257-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892257\" data-cid=\"9751833\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892257-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/18\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_eec3b803-0c1e-5460-a5c0-2da4aa433220-9751833.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026, -57 kg, FINAL FRA MOKDAR vs FRA DEVICTOR\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Strong start for the hosts in Astana\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892344-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892344\" data-cid=\"9752249\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892344-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/22\/49\/189x106_cmsv2_6a3d97ed-f85c-515d-837c-060eaf637370-9752249.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Russian National Guard, known as a Rosguardia, stands at a police fence set up in Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 8, 2026,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--red\">Breaking news.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>    Zelenskyy \u2018permits\u2019 Russia to hold its Victory Day parade\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892194-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892194\" data-cid=\"9751850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892194-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/15\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_a191da45-92f2-55bb-9be5-c7a3127be3df-9751533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received in Rome by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rubio: &#8216;Trump has not decided on withdrawal&#8217; but there is &#8216;problem with Nato&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892307-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 m-modeXL-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892307\" data-cid=\"9752163\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892307-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/21\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_ad17534b-fd54-5bd0-8bb6-4deb29f4d002-9752163.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | May 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | May 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892257-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892257\" data-cid=\"9751833\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892257-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/18\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_eec3b803-0c1e-5460-a5c0-2da4aa433220-9751833.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam 2026, -57 kg, FINAL FRA MOKDAR vs FRA DEVICTOR\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Sport<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Strong start for the hosts in Astana\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892344-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892344\" data-cid=\"9752249\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892344-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/22\/49\/189x106_cmsv2_6a3d97ed-f85c-515d-837c-060eaf637370-9752249.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Russian National Guard, known as a Rosguardia, stands at a police fence set up in Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 8, 2026,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--red\">Breaking news.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>    Zelenskyy \u2018permits\u2019 Russia to hold its Victory Day parade\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892194-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892194\" data-cid=\"9751850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892194-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/15\/33\/189x106_cmsv2_a191da45-92f2-55bb-9be5-c7a3127be3df-9751533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received in Rome by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rubio: &#8216;Trump has not decided on withdrawal&#8217; but there is &#8216;problem with Nato&#8217;\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892307-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2892307\" data-cid=\"9752163\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892307-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/21\/63\/189x106_cmsv2_ad17534b-fd54-5bd0-8bb6-4deb29f4d002-9752163.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Latest news bulletin | May 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Top News Stories Today<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Latest news bulletin | May 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          My Europe Series<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe in Motion<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe?<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative u-max-width-1280 u-margin-x-auto\" data-video='{\"id\":\"xa8lkpa\",\"articleId\":2891877,\"title\":\"Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe?\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/43\/48\/12\/03\/SHD_PYR_4348123_20260508081219.mp4\",\"programId\":\"europe-in-motion\",\"player\":\"dailymotion\",\"geoBlock\":[\"\"],\"sources\":[],\"description\":\"Water purity varies across Europe, with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic having some of the most polluted groundwater on the continent.\",\"isLive\":false,\"articleUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/video\/2026\/05\/08\/where-in-europe-is-tap-water-the-most-and-least-safe\",\"duration\":90000}' data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/97\/78\/1536x864_cmsv2_270b4fcf-ebaf-53d1-93cf-ae8e487ca89a-9749778.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"Europe in Motion\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              Europe in Motion<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">Euronews<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright\">\n      Copyright\u00a0Euronews\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspAlessio Dell&#8217;Anna&amp;nbsp&amp;&amp;nbsp<b>video by L\u00e9o Arnoux<\/b><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1778228286\">\n                    Published on                 <time datetime=\"2026-05-08 10:18:06 +02:00\">08\/05\/2026 &#8211; 10:18 GMT+2<\/time><span class=\"c-article-publication-date__bullet\">\u2022<\/span>Updated<br \/>\n                                     <time datetime=\"10:21\">10:21<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div id=\"js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup js-c-article-partage-commentaire-popup\">\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__header u-display-flex\"><span>Share<\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-close.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"Close Button\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-close\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content u-display-flex\">\n<div id=\"partage-commentaire-popup-content-container\" class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__container u-display-flex\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"facebook\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-facebook.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"facebook\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"twitter\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-twitter.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"twitter\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"flipboard\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Flipboard<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-flipboard.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"flipboard\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"send\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Send<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-send.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"send\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"reddit\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Reddit<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-reddit.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"reddit\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"linkedin\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Linkedin<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-linkedin.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"linkedin\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"messenger\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Messenger<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-messenger.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"messenger\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"telegram\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Telegram<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-telegram.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"telegram\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"vk\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>VK<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-vk.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"vk\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"bluesky\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Bluesky<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-bluesky.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"bluesky\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"threads\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed_container u-display-none\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed__tooltip\"><br \/>\n                            Copy\/paste the article video embed link below:<br \/>\n                        <\/span><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed u-display-flex\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/icon-copy-to-clipboard.svg\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" alt=\"Copy to clipboard\" class=\"u-cursor-pointer js-c-article-partage-commentaire-copy\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire-popup__content__embed--success-copied u-display-none js-c-article-partage-commentaire-video-embed-success-link-copied\"><br \/>\n                                Copied<br \/>\n                            <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        Water purity varies across Europe, with Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg and the Czech Republic having some of the most polluted groundwater on the continent.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>Groundwater is one of the most critically endangered resources across the EU. <\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>More than 20% across the bloc is in a poor chemical status, meaning that harmful substances, such as mercury, cadmium, and others, are above levels set by the EU Water Framework Directive, says the European Environment Agency.<\/p>\n<p>Adding to the pressure is the enormous social and environmental cost of treating it for drinking and sanitation.<\/p>\n<p>Just treating nitrates \u2014 often found in fertilisers \u2014 is thought to cost the EU <strong>as much as \u20ac320 billion per year.<\/strong>The EU&#8217;s limit is 50 milligrams per litre, but according to the European Commission, that level was exceeded at 14% of Europe&#8217;s groundwater measuring stations.<\/p>\n<h2>Who&#8217;s got the healthiest tap water?<\/h2>\n<p>Europe&#8217;s huge investments in groundwater sanitation do, however, seem to be effective. <\/p>\n<p>Nineteen of the 20 countries with the best sanitation and drinking water in the world are European, with Japan being the only exception, according to the <strong>Environmental Performance Index.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK scored a perfect 100 points for protecting human health from unsafe drinking water and sanitation.<\/p>\n<p>The worst rates in the continent emerged in Moldova (50 points), Georgia (51.7) and Albania (54.1), with three EU countries also in the lowest 10 spots in Europe: Latvia (59.10), Lithuania (58.40) and Romania (56).<\/p>\n<p>In addition, existing legislation, the EU is keeping a close eye on its water resources.<\/p>\n<p>In January 2022, it passed the first <strong>drinking water watchlist<\/strong>, with the aim of tracking beta-estradiol and nonylphenol levels \u2014 two endocrine-disrupting compounds which mimic, block, or interfere with the body\u2019s hormones.<\/p>\n<h2>How concerning is groundwater pollution in the EU?<\/h2>\n<p>Nonetheless, groundwater chemicals remain a problem, particularly considering that groundwater supplies roughly 25% of agricultural irrigation and 65% of drinking water in the EU.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;Around 80% of all wastewater worldwide enters water bodies without undergoing treatment&#8221;, say researchers at the Water Atlas, a groundwater purity index created by German think tank Heinrich B\u00f6ll Foundation.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The idea that rivers would clean themselves soon proved to be an illusion: rivers and lakes became stinking, toxic cesspools,&#8221; they add.<\/p>\n<p>The <strong>Water Atlas<\/strong> has mapped groundwater bodies with a good and bad chemical status in Europe, based on the EU&#8217;s Water Directive standards.<\/p>\n<p>The results in some countries are concerning. <\/p>\n<p>In Luxembourg, 79% of mapped groundwater bodies failed to achieve a good chemical status in 2025, 55% in the Czech Republic, 41% in Belgium and 40% in Germany.<\/p>\n<p>Pesticides remain one of the main threats to water quality. For example, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has been detected in 94% of 36 tap water samples collected in 11 EU countries, according to the Water Atlas.<\/p>\n<p>Many pesticides also contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals), which were detected at 23,000 locations across Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Pharmaceutical compounds \u2014 with more than 175 identified in Europe&#8217;s groundwater bodies \u2014 and microplastics pose additional environmental pressures.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-partage-commentaire__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-partage-commentaire-share\"><span>Share<\/span><\/span><span>Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Deadly air: Which European countries have the worst PM 2.5 levels?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Europe&#8217;s &#8216;loud killer&#8217;: Which countries suffer most from noise pollution? <\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Green electricity: Which EU countries are using the most?<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  European Environment Agency<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Water resources<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Contamination of water<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Water shortage<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  drinking water<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2892344-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892344\" data-cid=\"9752249\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892344-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/22\/49\/320x180_cmsv2_6a3d97ed-f85c-515d-837c-060eaf637370-9752249.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Russian National Guard, known as a Rosguardia, stands at a police fence set up in Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 8, 2026,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--red\">Breaking news.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>    Zelenskyy \u2018permits\u2019 Russia to hold its Victory Day parade<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2891398-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891398\" data-cid=\"9747487\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891398-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/74\/87\/320x180_cmsv2_9e28c1df-6fbc-5b66-837f-03100b5133fc-9747487.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vladimir Putin has admitted difficulties in the Russian economy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    After 20 rounds of sanctions, the EU sees cracks in Russia&#8217;s economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2892199-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892199\" data-cid=\"9751538\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892199-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/77\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_8cbb56d8-3297-5041-92a3-1641674e2727-9747703.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Russian servicemen march towards the Red Square prior to the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Monday, May 4, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Who is coming to Putin\u2019s Victory Day parade \u2014 and who is not?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2892260-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892260\" data-cid=\"9751848\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892260-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/18\/48\/320x180_cmsv2_c460c88d-7535-5eb0-b773-3a3b64179bb0-9751848.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The EU and the US concluded a trade deal in July 2025 which still needs to be enforced.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Parliament&#8217;s trade chief pushes back against Trump tariff threats<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2892194-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892194\" data-cid=\"9751850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892194-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/15\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a191da45-92f2-55bb-9be5-c7a3127be3df-9751533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received in Rome by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rubio: &#8216;Trump has not decided on withdrawal&#8217; but there is &#8216;problem with Nato&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2891877-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891877\" data-cid=\"9749778\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2891783-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891783\" data-cid=\"9749372\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Who pays more tax? See where you fall in Europe\u2019s income tax divide<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2891398-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891398\" data-cid=\"9747487\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    After 20 rounds of sanctions, the EU sees cracks in Russia&#8217;s economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892070-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892070\" data-cid=\"9750758\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE reports missile attack as Iran war ceasefire is challenged<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2892136-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892136\" data-cid=\"9751118\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    White House calls out Star Wars actor Mark Hamill for dead Trump image<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892344-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892344\" data-cid=\"9752249\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892344-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/22\/49\/320x180_cmsv2_6a3d97ed-f85c-515d-837c-060eaf637370-9752249.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"A Russian National Guard, known as a Rosguardia, stands at a police fence set up in Manezhnaya Square in Moscow, Russia, Friday, May 8, 2026,\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \"><span class=\"c-article-title__prefix--red\">Breaking news.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>    Zelenskyy \u2018permits\u2019 Russia to hold its Victory Day parade<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891398-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891398\" data-cid=\"9747487\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2891398-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/74\/87\/320x180_cmsv2_9e28c1df-6fbc-5b66-837f-03100b5133fc-9747487.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Vladimir Putin has admitted difficulties in the Russian economy.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    After 20 rounds of sanctions, the EU sees cracks in Russia&#8217;s economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892199-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892199\" data-cid=\"9751538\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892199-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/77\/03\/320x180_cmsv2_8cbb56d8-3297-5041-92a3-1641674e2727-9747703.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Russian servicemen march towards the Red Square prior to the Victory Day military parade rehearsal in Moscow, Monday, May 4, 2026\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Who is coming to Putin\u2019s Victory Day parade \u2014 and who is not?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892260-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892260\" data-cid=\"9751848\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892260-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/18\/48\/320x180_cmsv2_c460c88d-7535-5eb0-b773-3a3b64179bb0-9751848.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The EU and the US concluded a trade deal in July 2025 which still needs to be enforced.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Parliament&#8217;s trade chief pushes back against Trump tariff threats<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892194-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 m-modeXL-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892194\" data-cid=\"9751850\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2892194-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/75\/15\/33\/320x180_cmsv2_a191da45-92f2-55bb-9be5-c7a3127be3df-9751533.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"US Secretary of State Marco Rubio received in Rome by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at Palazzo Chigi\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Rubio: &#8216;Trump has not decided on withdrawal&#8217; but there is &#8216;problem with Nato&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891877-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891877\" data-cid=\"9749778\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Where in Europe is tap water the most and least safe?<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891783-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891783\" data-cid=\"9749372\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Who pays more tax? See where you fall in Europe\u2019s income tax divide<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2891398-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2891398\" data-cid=\"9747487\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    After 20 rounds of sanctions, the EU sees cracks in Russia&#8217;s economy<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892070-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892070\" data-cid=\"9750758\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    UAE reports missile attack as Iran war ceasefire is challenged<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2892136-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 m-modeXL-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2892136\" data-cid=\"9751118\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    White House calls out Star Wars actor Mark Hamill for dead Trump image<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">Groundwater is one of the most critically endangered resources across the EU.More than 20% across the bloc is in a poor chemical status, meaning that harmful substances, such as mercury, cadmium, and others, are above levels set by the EU Water Framework Directive, says the European Environment Agency.Adding to the pressure is the enormous social and environmental cost of treating it for drinking and sanitation.Just treating nitrates \u2014 often found in fertilisers \u2014 is thought to cost the EU as much as \u20ac320 billion per year. The EU&#8217;s limit is 50 milligrams per litre, but according to the European Commission, that level was exceeded at 14% of Europe&#8217;s groundwater measuring stations.Who&#8217;s got the healthiest tap water?Europe&#8217;s huge investments in groundwater sanitation do, however, seem to be effective.Nineteen of the 20 countries with the best sanitation and drinking water in the world are European, with Japan being the only exception, according to the Environmental Performance Index.Finland, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland and the UK scored a perfect 100 points for protecting human health from unsafe drinking water and sanitation.The worst rates in the continent emerged in Moldova (50 points), Georgia (51.7) and Albania (54.1), with three EU countries also in the lowest 10 spots in Europe: Latvia (59.10), Lithuania (58.40) and Romania (56).In addition, existing legislation, the EU is keeping a close eye on its water resources.In January 2022, it passed the first drinking water watchlist, with the aim of tracking beta-estradiol and nonylphenol levels \u2014 two endocrine-disrupting compounds which mimic, block, or interfere with the body\u2019s hormones.How concerning is groundwater pollution in the EU?Nonetheless, groundwater chemicals remain a problem, particularly considering that groundwater supplies roughly 25% of agricultural irrigation and 65% of drinking water in the EU.&#8221;Around 80% of all wastewater worldwide enters water bodies without undergoing treatment&#8221;, say researchers at the Water Atlas, a groundwater purity index created by German think tank Heinrich B\u00f6ll Foundation.&#8221;The idea that rivers would clean themselves soon proved to be an illusion: rivers and lakes became stinking, toxic cesspools,&#8221; they add.The Water Atlas has mapped groundwater bodies with a good and bad chemical status in Europe, based on the EU&#8217;s Water Directive standards.The results in some countries are concerning.In Luxembourg, 79% of mapped groundwater bodies failed to achieve a good chemical status in 2025, 55% in the Czech Republic, 41% in Belgium and 40% in Germany.Pesticides remain one of the main threats to water quality. For example, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) has been detected in 94% of 36 tap water samples collected in 11 EU countries, according to the Water Atlas.Many pesticides also contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as forever chemicals), which were detected at 23,000 locations across Europe.Pharmaceutical compounds \u2014 with more than 175 identified in Europe&#8217;s groundwater bodies \u2014 and microplastics pose additional environmental pressures.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/my-europe\/2026\/05\/08\/where-in-europe-is-tap-water-the-most-and-least-safe&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/74\/97\/78\/1200x675_cmsv2_270b4fcf-ebaf-53d1-93cf-ae8e487ca89a-9749778.jpg&#8221;] Sport Strong start for the hosts in Astana Europe News Breaking news. Zelenskyy \u2018permits\u2019 Russia to hold its Victory Day parade Europe News Rubio: &#8216;Trump has not decided on withdrawal&#8217; but there is &#8216;problem with Nato&#8217; Top News Stories Today Latest news bulletin | May 8th, 2026 \u2013 Evening Sport Strong start [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-1925442","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1925442","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1925442"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1925442\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1925442"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1925442"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1925442"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}