Cyprus topped the rankings: all of the island’s swimming areas received the highest rating. Greece, Bulgaria, and Austria were also among the leaders, with more than 96% of the areas tested receiving an “excellent” rating.
Experts note that coastal waters remain cleaner than inland bodies of water. In 2025, 88% of marine and coastal swimming areas received an “excellent” rating, compared to 78% of lakes and rivers. This difference is due to the fact that small inland water bodies are more sensitive to pollution following heavy rains, droughts, and agricultural activities.
Austria and Finland showed the best results among lakes and rivers, with about 95% of their inland water bodies receiving the highest rating. Denmark, Luxembourg, and Germany were also among the top five.
At the same time, water quality issues persist in a number of countries. The lowest score in Europe was recorded in Albania, where only 16.8% of bathing sites were classified in the highest water quality category. Fewer than 70% of such sites were also found in Estonia, Poland, Hungary, and Belgium. In addition, Estonia, along with the Netherlands and France, is among the EU countries with the highest proportion of water bodies rated as “poor quality.”
Rivers are a particular cause for concern among experts. Only 47% of the approximately 1,200 official river swimming areas across Europe received the highest rating. The main sources of pollution remain stormwater runoff, sewer system overflows during heavy rainfall, agricultural pollution, and animal waste entering the water.
Water quality is determined by the levels of E. coli and intestinal enterococci—key indicators of fecal contamination. Contact with contaminated water can lead to intestinal infections, respiratory diseases, and inflammation of the eyes and ears.
Despite ongoing challenges, the EEA notes a long-term positive trend. According to the agency’s assessment, years of investment in wastewater treatment and pollution control are contributing to the gradual improvement of water quality in many European rivers and water bodies.
