The European Union s executive arm will propose new rules next week to reduce water pollution in the 25-nation blocs lakes and rivers to try to cut down on substances that harm the environment and human health. The European Commission s rules would put limits on the concentration levels of 41 chemicals, metals and pesticides in surface waters such as rivers, lakes and coastal waters, from 2015, an EU source said. Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas is keen to establish EU-wide standards because many such bodies of water cross national boundaries.
(Planet Ark, 17/07/2006)