In February 2025, the European Commission released the ‘Water Framework Directive Report’ following the collection of data from around 90% of the EU’s surface water and groundwater bodies. Just 39.5% of surface water bodies meet good ecological standards, with mercury and other pollutants found in 19% of Europe’s rivers. Built up over 50 years of historic pollution, these chemicals are present in large quantities, causing damage to precious ecosystems, such as wetlands and estuaries.
In England, despite a reduction target of 40% set by the Environment Agency, water company-reported pollution incidents have increased by 30%. In 2024, Surfers Against Sewage received over 1,800 sickness reports, highlighting the rising prominence and health consequences of hazardous chemicals in our water supply.
The threat of PFAS
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), or ‘forever chemicals’, pose the largest threat to European water systems. Their current prevalence in waterways is due to their wide uses in industrial applications and consumer goods, such as non-stick cookware and waterproof clothing.
Given PFAS break down very slowly over time, they remain in the water supply for decades, contributing to adverse health outcomes for those using it. Studies have linked even low levels of exposure to serious health effects, including cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption.
Due to their resistance to degradation, PFAS have been found in rivers and groundwater across Europe, with some regions reporting levels far exceeding safety thresholds. In English rivers, 81 of 105 sites exceeded the EU and UK’s proposed environmental quality standards for PFAS. It’s these chemicals that exacerbate ecological harm and threaten biodiversity.
The business risk
The presence of chemical pollution can have far-reaching consequences for industries reliant on clean water. Businesses within agriculture and food production, for example, face potential fines and reputational damage if they unknowingly make use of contaminated water. For EU Member States, the European Green Deal initially set an ambitious target to reduce the use and risks of chemical pesticides by 50% by 2030. However, this legislative proposal was withdrawn in early 2024 due to significant opposition from farming groups and member states. Nonetheless, the original goal highlights the increasing shift toward stricter regulation and the potential for future fines.
To ensure future-proof compliance, companies in and outside the region should proactively prepare for regulation, building waste-management strategies that recognises the danger of polluted water. In the EU, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, requires EU countries to protect human health and the environment from the effects of untreated urban wastewater, demonstrating a governmental and collective approach to cleaning rivers and lakes. In the UK, The Water (Special Measures) Bill was introduced to give regulators the authority to take tougher and faster action against water companies damaging the environment and failing their customers. Despite the substantial investment in monitoring and treatment systems required, these regulations underscore the importance of compliance with the directives. Beyond compliance, businesses can adopt innovative practices and technologies that reduce pollution and improve water quality. In doing so, companies can promote a cleaner environment while enhancing their reputations.
The role of software versus toxins
As businesses face mounting pressure to meet compliance and regulatory demands, leveraging technology can significantly streamline chemical management and wastewater treatment. By making it easier for employees to create relevant and compliant chemical risk assessments, the right solution can be vital to ensuring that chemical waste is handled properly. This includes ensuring easy access to safety data sheets (SDS), enabling full analysis of chemical risks, and substituting the chemicals most hazardous to people and the planet.
For employees dealing with chemicals, training is crucial. Once they understand the risks that arise from handling chemicals, solutions like chemical reporting software ensure best practice in chemical compliance with a built-in, intuitive chemical inventory that keeps track of all relevant data in one place. Employees can use these tools to analyse chemical risks digitally, rather than relying on outdated methods or general experience. Chemical exposure software plays a critical role in managing workplace exposures and supports reducing exposures through efficient tools.
As part of a broader technology ecosystem, ESG software and reporting tools can complement chemical safety solutions, offering additional capabilities for businesses to track and report on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Together with chemical safety software, ESG tools help organisations maintain comprehensive compliance, monitor their sustainability efforts, and mitigate environmental impacts.
This not only ensures safety but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the impact of chemical waste. By helping businesses navigate complex regulatory requirements and enhance workplace safety, these solutions enable proactive chemical management while also reducing the long-term environmental impact of industrial activities.
The future for cleaner rivers
The European Commission’s report highlights the urgent need for action to address water pollution. While regulatory measures have been instrumental in mitigating pollution, businesses must play their part in improving waste management and chemical safety.
Through digitalising their chemical safety processes, industries can ensure compliance, reduce environmental harm, and contribute to the broader goal of protecting Europe’s waterways. Without decisive action, the risks of pollution and water scarcity will only grow, endangering ecosystems and public health.
