Surface water

Keep up to date on surface water treatment challenges and solutions

From rivers and streams to lakes, reservoirs and wetlands, surface water is a body of water above the ground. Together with groundwater, surface water makes up a significant amount of a water supply around the world. Also referred to as “blue water”, it is the residue of precipitation and melted snow. While traditionally surface water seeps into soft land, increasing levels of urbanisation have reduced the surface area available to absorb rainfall. As a very visible part of the environment, surface water is often a clear indicator if there have been incidents of pollution. For example, in the EU, it’s estimated that 60 per cent of surface waters still do not achieve “good ecological” status, according to the EEA. This page brings together news, views and analysis of surface water challenges, innovations and solutions.

Amazon projects tackle flooding risk in Spain

04 April 2025

SDG6 mid-term report reveals some targets relapsing

19 September 2024

Roadwater run-off reclamation spans four countries

03 September 2024

Mexico: Water quality and dams on the rise in Mexico

19 August 2024

Legislation secures tribe’s rights to water supplies

05 August 2024

7 projects selected to assess UK water biodiversity

02 May 2024

EU water quality divergence – Defra counters UK media claims

21 November 2023

Navigating water stress: Global challenges and resilient solutions

31 August 2023

Granting the world’s rivers legal personhood

21 August 2023