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EU Bathing Water Report Shows 85 Percent of Sites Rated Excellent in 2025
The European Environment Agency reported that 96 percent of monitored bathing sites met minimum health standards and 84.8 percent were rated excellent. Inland rivers and lakes scored lower than coastal waters, and 1.5 percent of sites remained classified as poor.
Jul 7, 3:46 AM·1m read1 source
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The European Environment Agency reported that 96 percent of monitored bathing sites across the EU met minimum health standards in 2025, with 84.8 percent rated excellent. The share of poor sites fell to 1.5 percent from 2.4 percent in 2006. Coastal waters performed best, with 87.4 percent rated excellent. Inland lakes reached 78.2 percent excellent, while rivers recorded 47 percent excellent.
Cyprus recorded 100 percent excellent sites, followed by Greece at 97.1 percent, Bulgaria at 96.9 percent and Austria at 96.5 percent. Estonia, Poland, Hungary and Belgium reported the lowest shares of excellent waters. The report noted that older combined sewer systems in some cities discharge untreated sewage during heavy rain.
Agricultural runoff carrying nitrates and phosphorus triggers algal blooms in lakes and rivers.
Current testing covers only faecal bacteria. The directive does not screen for PFAS, microplastics or pharmaceutical residues. Eline Boelee of Deltares stated that results arrive days after sampling, leaving swimmers without real-time data. She added that more frequent testing raises costs significantly.
If a site remains poor for five consecutive years, authorities must identify pollution sources and may prohibit swimming. Fifty-seven sites stayed poor from 2000 to 2024, and only four improved to sufficient in 2025.
