New water information portal launched
The European Commission and the European Environment Agency (EEA) have launched a new web information portal on water management. The Water Information System for Europe (WISE) provides the public with information on water and water-related topics such as bathing, water quality data and urban wastewater treatment sites. The portal is a collaborative effort between the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre, Environment Directorate-General and Eurostat. 'European citizens have the right to know about the status of European waters and how well EU water policy delivers. The new Water Information System for Europe bundles data that was previously unavailable or fragmented. Today's launch is only the start. By 2010, we want to make WISE the most comprehensive water information system in the world,' said Executive Director of the European Environment Agency, Jacqueline McGlade. In the long term, the system is expected to help experts to access and download all the available data that Member States submit to the EU institutions on water-related issues. The aim is to streamline and reduce the reporting burden that Member States face in adhering to the EU water framework directive and other water legislation. The system will enable the Member States to 'accurately deliver environmental and geospatial data to the European Commission and its partners', according to EU Research Commissioner Janez Potocnik. 'Robust science is indispensable for policy-making that serves the best interests of European citizens,' he commented.