Comparison of the organisational set-up for water quality measuring points

Question for written answer  E-001192/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Tom Vandenkendelaere (PPE)

Measuring water quality in the EU requires intensive monitoring at measuring points – not least to establish nitrate concentrations in watercourses so as to meet the objectives of the Nitrates Directive. However, each Member State has its own specific measurement method and organises its network of measuring points differently. Some Member States measure only at large watercourses, while others operate on a much more granular basis and also have measuring points on all smaller watercourses. This potentially creates a distortion, with more rigorous measurement in some Member States producing a more negative outcome by comparison with others, while not automatically reflecting reality correctly.

• 1.Does the Commission have details of the comparability of the organisational set-up for measuring points in the Member States?
• 2.If not: does the Commission propose to look into the organisational set-up for water quality measuring points so as to ensure a level playing field in the EU?
• 3.Can Member States modify their monitoring systems based on measuring points so as, for instance, to make them more granular or scale them back so that they cover only large watercourses?

Submitted:22.4.2024