What is the main focus of your Expert Group?
The Expert Group addresses water pollution by promoting research, innovation, and the development of standardized methodologies and technologies for monitoring, preventing and controlling chemical and microbiological contaminants. The main goal is reducing the impact on human and ecosystem health. Key objectives include emission reduction and prevention, cleanup, early detection and monitoring and developing effective solutions to tackle water pollution at the source and at the end-of-pipe. Through collaboration with stakeholders and dissemination of evidence-based research, the group supports and stimulates the implementation of sustainable solutions and the translation of scientific knowledge into effective water policies to reduce and prevent pollution.
What are the opportunities and challenges in your field that the Expert group is addressing?
The Expert Group tackles key water pollution challenges by addressing critical issues such as the integration of Zero Pollution principles into ESG reporting, the monitoring and mitigation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and the safe management of persistent pollutants like PFAS, pharmaceutical micropollutants, and microplastics. In doing so, the group identifies major opportunities in advancing innovative detection technologies, enhancing monitoring programmes, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. It also plays an active role in informing policy through evidence-based research. Embracing a holistic One Health approach, the group acknowledges the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and incorporates cross-cutting themes like climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development. By promoting system-level thinking across water, air, and soil, the group contributes meaningfully to Water Europe’s Vision of a Water-Smart Society, supporting innovation, zero pollution, inclusive governance, and long-term sustainability.
How does your Expert Group plan to achieve its goals, and how will it contribute to Water Europe’s Vision of a Water-Smart Society?
The Expert Group plans to achieve its goals through a structured combination of expert meetings, stakeholder dialogues, and the production of high-impact outputs such as white papers, technical reports, and public workshops or webinars, delivering a minimum of two events and at least one publication per year. Planned deliverables include a workshop on integrating Zero Pollution into ESG reporting, a white paper on antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a technical report on technologies for the safe management of PFAS, and a technical paper addressing the removal of pharmaceutical micropollutants and microplastics. These activities are designed to advance early detection, source contamination mapping, pollution prevention, and remediation. In doing so, the group directly supports the key pillars of Water Europe’s Vision of a Water-Smart Society—strengthening water security, enhancing sustainability, and increasing resilience through knowledge sharing, innovation, and cross-sectoral collaboration.
