The European Commission is urging Germany to take stronger measures to combat water pollution caused by nitrates.
The latest figures submitted by Germany in 2012 showed worsening nitrates pollution problems in groundwater and surface waters, including eutrophication of coastal and marine waters, especially in the Baltic Sea. Despite the worsening trends, the Commission says that Germany has not taken sufficient additional measures to reduce and prevent nitrate pollution as required under EU law.
While nitrates are essential for plants to grow- they are widely used as fertilisers - excess levels of nitrates can damage freshwaters and the marine environment by promoting the growth of algae that chokes other life, a process known as eutrophication. Purifying excess nitrates from drinking water is also a very costly process.
On the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the Commission is sending a reasoned opinion to ask Germany to comply with EU law in this area. If they fail to do so within two months, the Commission may refer the case to the EU Court of Justice.
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