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Cofunded by the European Union

The European Environment Agency explains the decrease in Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) in rivers. Its decrease is an indicator of better water quality.

In simple words, BOD is the measure of the capacity of water to consume oxygen during the decomposition of organic matter.

In European rivers, oxygen consuming substances decreased over the period 1992 to 2021. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) fell to half of the 1992 level but has remained steady at around 2.8mgO2/l since 2010. Ammonium concentrations fell to 20% of the 1992 level. After 2014, the level stabilised around 110µgN/l. The decrease in BOD and ammonium concentrations is a consequence of the improvement in wastewater treatment. Read more

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The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for seven years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We know that we can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play and especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as It is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.