MEPs call for end to contaminated water in Europe

Thirty-three pollutants likely to be found in rivers, lakes and coastal waters must be reduced or phased out completely, MEPs have said.

The step has been taken to ensure the survival of natural ecosystems, reduce the risk of harm to humans, and help the environment by reducing pollution levels.

A new EU law identifies the priority substances, including cadmium and mercury, that governments must ensure are curbed by 2018 in order to improve surface waters.

Rochdale MEP Chris Davies welcomed the new measures. He said: “Improvements in the state of our rivers and lakes have been one of the great successes of European environment laws.”