Microplastics in Danube Region Drinking Water

Each year, an estimated 75,000–300,000 tonnes of microplastics enter Europe’s environment, polluting ecosystems and food chains. In the Danube River Basin (DRB), ongoing emissions—whether from intentionally added or unintentionally formed microplastics—pose a growing threat to water quality and aquatic life. Exposure to these tiny plastic particles can lead to harmful effects on living organisms.

Unlike seawater, which has been widely studied, the presence and impact of microplastics in surface and groundwater—especially drinking water sources in the DRB region—are still not well understood. The MicroDrink project aims to change this by helping experts, policymakers, and local authorities improve how they monitor and manage microplastic pollution. It also seeks to raise public awareness about this growing environmental concern.

“The development and establishment of harmonized sampling and analytical methods both 
nationally and internationally is essential in order to generate a reliable data basis for the 
assessment of microplastics in drinking water resources and in drinking water.” Uta Wemhöner, Environment Agency Austria groundwater expert

To address this risk, the revised EU Drinking Water Directive requires a full risk assessment of microplastics in drinking water by 2029. However, a major challenge is the lack of standardised methods for sampling and analysing microplastics. This is where the MicroDrink project plays a key role. By fostering international collaboration, it supports the development of harmonised monitoring techniques and risk assessments for DRB drinking water sources.

“MicroDrink strives to prepare all crucial actors for the implementation of the Drinking Water 
Directive through creating tools such as the Decision-Making Support Tool, MicroDrink 
Knowledge Base and knowledge transfer webinars, significantly contributing to building 
capacities, particularly within countries that insofar have not conducted any microplastics 
research.” Croatian Geological Survey, Lead partner of MicroDrink project

In 2025, eight countries will work together at nine pilot sites to sample and analyse drinking water using standardised methods based on the Commission Delegated Decision. Beyond research, MicroDrink aims to strengthen resilience to microplastic pollution in the Danube region by closing knowledge gaps. It will provide open-access online resources detailing sampling methods, laboratory techniques, and best practices. The project also builds on existing EU water management initiatives, bringing together national and international stakeholders through meetings, workshops, and events to drive action on this pressing issue.

#WaterWiseEU campaign 

This story has been submitted by a partner of the #WaterWiseEU campaign. The EU-wide campaign focuses on water resilience, aiming to change the way we see, use and value water. Find out more about the campaign and how you can get involved.