One in seven Europeans does not have access to safe water. Apart from contamination with microbes and viruses, water may also be polluted with lead, arsenic, fluorides or nitrates.
Agriculture also affects water quality through run-off containing pesticides and fertilizers.
The Protocol on Water and Health will help countries to reduce such outbreaks by providing safe drinking water and recreational water to people throughout Europe. Its ultimate aim is to reduce, control and prevent water-related disease.