Successes of the programme “Rhine 2020” in the field of water quality

The nitrogen load from the Rhine catchment into the North Sea could be reduced by 15-20 % through the expansion of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants.
Inputs of metals, which had already been significantly reduced between 1987 and 2000, could be kept low and further reduced.
In 2019, the ICPR recommendations for the reduction of micropollutants were finalised and published.
The inputs of pesticides were significantly reduced by new laws and regulations in the states in the Rhine catchment.
The communication on the International Warning and Alarm Plan Rhine (IWAP) was updated.
Of the 22 risk areas identified in the Sediment Management Plan 2009, remediation was successfully completed at ten sites.
The quantitative status of the groundwater bodies is largely good (96 %).