EU Joint Research Centre · Climate & nature

Half of European Rivers Affected by Salinisation, Study Finds

A new study published in Nature Communications reveals that approximately 50% of European rivers and streams are impacted by salinisation, with over 23,000 km exceeding international standards for aquatic life protection. The research, involving an international team including JRC scientists, highlights the widespread nature of this issue across 35 European countries.

Freshwater salinisation in Europe stems from both natural factors like climate and geology, and human activities such as land-use change. This phenomenon poses significant ecological and societal risks, including threats to biodiversity, drinking water, agriculture, and industry.

Analyzing data from 1970 to 2024 using the GlobSalt database, the study found that salinity has more than doubled in rivers across 28 of the 35 analyzed countries compared to natural background levels. Salinity is measured by electrical conductivity.

The study categorizes salinisation levels across the European river network: 26% low, 14% moderate, 9% severe, and 1% extreme. It also notes that around 1% of the river network exceeds drinking water limits, and 3% exceeds limits for irrigation and industrial water quality.

While hotspots are known in countries like Germany, Poland, and Spain, the research also identifies previously underreported areas in Romania and Hungary. Despite its growing impact, salinisation is largely overlooked in current EU and national water policies, with most countries lacking dedicated salinity standards and systematic monitoring, even 25 years after the EU Water Framework Directive.

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