Nitrate pollution of aquifers in the Region of Murcia

Question for written answer  E-002029/2021
to the Commission
Rule 138
Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (The Left)

In recent years, a number of citizen-led initiatives have been set up to protect the Mar Menor. What is more, the Spanish Government has been warned on several occasions about excessive nitrate levels in aquifers in the Campo de Cartagena, Valle del Guadalentín and Comarca del Noroeste areas of Murcia. Nitrate levels in some aquifers are currently over 200 mg/l, which is more than four times the 50 mg/l limit established by the Commission for an aquifer to be considered in good condition. It is also an infringement of the Water Framework Directive and the Nitrates Directive, among others.

• 1.What is the state of play as regards the infringement procedure opened by the Commission for failure to comply with the rules on maximum nitrate concentration in the aquifers in Spain, including those in Murcia?
• 2.Has the investigation that started with the initial procedure on the poor state of natural habitats, including the Mar Menor, been followed up? What action does the Commission recommend taking to prevent excessive amounts of nitrogen compounds flowing into the Mar Menor?