The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus advocates for integrated management to address interconnected challenges, particularly in water-scarce regions
What we do
The Knowledge Hub for Water supports informed decision-making by EU policymakers and stakeholders by:
- Assessing and disseminating high-quality knowledge on water resources availability and quality, leveraging the JRC's expertise
- Analyzing data and research on water resources, including water scarcity, pollution, and ecosystems, to identify solutions for water resilience and climate adaptation
- Bringing together scientific evidence to address the interlinkages of water with energy, food and ecosystems, and to promote a comprehensive approach to water management
- Providing scientific support and enhancing the knowledge base, through the development of tools, reports and analyses on key topics such as water balance, nutrient pollution, and nature-based solutions.
Search our KnowledgeBase
Browse Water by topic
Assessment of Nitrogen and Phosphorus sources and flows in the environment, towards achieving Integrated Nutrient Management ambitious goals
Nature-based solutions support water management by enhancing retention and purification, improving availability and quality
Zero pollution monitoring and outlook
Pollution remains a significant threat to ecosystems, the economy and public health, causing multiple mental and physical diseases and premature deaths. It is also a key driver of biodiversity...
Water reservoirs and large dams
Water reservoirs and large dams are complex systems, with large benefits and impacts. They have to be managed with an holistic techno-scientific approach, that considers all the aspects...
Pesticides: an overview from the Joint Research Centre
This section delves into the complex challenges of pesticide use within the European Union, focusing on the latest scientific insights and policy developments from JRC research.
Wastewater treatment and management
The European Union's Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive aims to improve wastewater management and promote water resilience in Europe. The new directive focuses on greening cities, energy...
Water Reuse
Water reuse is a crucial aspect of the European Union's water management strategy, aiming to promote the efficient use of water resources, reduce water scarcity, and mitigate the impacts...
EU Wastewater Surveillance for Public Health
Wastewater monitoring is an invaluable, complementary approach to public health surveillance. It provides an independent and objective means of monitoring pathogens and pollutants of emerging concern, such as SARS-CoV-2,...
Browse Water tools
Nutrients in European waters: trends and projections
Excessive nutrient pollution from agriculture, industry, and high population density compromises water quality, affecting both human and ecosystem health. Climate change, extreme weather...
The Nitrates Directive
The Nitrates DirectiveIn 1991, the European Commission adopted the Nitrates Directive to protect surface water, groundwater and coastal and transitional areas from pollution with nitrate from agricultural origin. Member...
Nutrient toolkit
Best practice guide and Nutrient toolkitEutrophication is one of the main pressures affecting waters - both freshwater and marine. One key component of any eutrophication management...
