The European Environment Agency (EEA) published its annual report on bathing water quality on Tuesday. As FAZ reports, 22,289 bathing waters in all 27 EU countries as well as Albania and Switzerland were examined. The focus was on fecal bacteria that can cause health problems such as nausea, diarrhea, and infections.
In Germany, water quality improved slightly compared to the previous year. 90.9 percent of bathing waters are classified as “excellent,” and only three bathing sites (0.1 percent) received a “poor” rating, failing to meet minimum standards. Germany ranks seventh in Europe – one place better than last year. The EU-wide average is 85 percent excellent bathing sites.
The top performers are Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, and Austria, where at least 95 percent of waters are considered “excellent.” The laggards are Belgium, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, and Albania with less than 70 percent. Overall, 96 percent of all EU bathing sites met minimum requirements. Coastal waters perform better with 97.4 percent excellent ratings, compared to inland waters with 92.5 percent.
Source: www.faz.net
