Water

Water is a natural resource without which there would be no life on earth. Clean groundwater is produced over a long period of time and therefore needs to be used sustainably. Human activity affects both the cleanliness and availability of fresh water. Water quality may, for example, be affected by chemical residues from sewage treatment plants and arable land. In the course of production and other activities, pollution of water bodies, surface water and groundwater must be avoided so that clean water remains available.

Water statistics show

• how much water is consumed in Estonia;
• how many consumers receive quality drinking water from public water supply;
• what is the share and volume of treated waste water;
• the level of organic pollution load of discharges into surface water bodies;
• how many surface water bodies are in good condition.

Based on water statistics, national water protection programmes can be developed and implemented and legislation can be improved. The data are used to monitor the environmental strategy to ensure good status of surface and groundwater and to keep water bodies in good condition.