The landmass on which we live is an integral part of our water catchment. Any human activity will inevitably have some consequences on the availability and composition of fresh waters. These consequences are becoming increasingly important and detectable as the human population grows. The problem is to be addressed at the global scale, as frequently, decisions made have inter-regional and international impacts, and must therefore be coordinated. In a number of European Member States, for example, the availability of water resources depends on the activities of other upstream countries. The demand for fresh water in Europe, as well as in the world, is increasing. There is an.
