Indicator 6.40 Nitrate in groundwater

This indicator shows concentrations of nitrate (NO3) in groundwater bodies measured as milligrams per litre (mg NO3/L). The indicator can be used to illustrate geographical variations in current concentrations and temporal trends. Large inputs of nitrogen to water bodies from urban areas, industry, and agricultural areas, can have negative impacts on the use of water for human consumption and other purposes.

Indicator is used to monitor progress towards SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation, which is embedded in the European Commission’s 2024-2029 priorities under ‘Sustaining our quality of life: Food security, water and nature’. Protection of water resources, water ecosystems and of drinking and bathing water is at the cornerstone of EU environmental policy. EU water policy provides a framework to comprehensively address water protection and for achieving good status for inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater. According to the Drinking Water Directive, a maximum concentration of 50 mg/L of nitrate in groundwater that is used for drinking water is allowed. The Nitrates Directive requires the designation of vulnerable zones based on this threshold for all waters including groundwater.

The Water Framework Directive is the main European legislation aiming to prevent water pollution. The EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 supports the implementation of the Water Framework Directive’s objective by requiring Member States to restore freshwater ecosystems. The 8th Environment Action Programme sets the environmental policy agenda for the years from 2021 to 2030 and explicitly mentions water-related issues in two of its six priority objectives. These two objectives are: (1) pursuing a zero-pollution ambition for a toxic free-environment, including for air, water and soil and protecting the health and well-being of citizens from environment-related risks and impacts; and (2) protecting, preserving and restoring biodiversity and enhancing natural capital, notably air, water, soil, and forest, freshwater, wetland and marine ecosystems.

The long-term objective is reducing nitrate levels to below the established State Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) of 10 mg/L (as N, Nitrogen) or 45 mg/L (as NO3−).