The parliamentary Audit Committee of the House of representatives said on Thursday that only CHF8 million ($8.4 million) out of a possible CHF60 million in available funds has so far been spent on water protection. The number of projects has been stuck at less than 30 over the last decade.
Measures to combat pollution from agriculture were judged only “partially useful” and fell below the Commission’s expectations.
The Federal Office for the Environment has in particular been urged to be more active and consistent in its approach to protecting groundwater.
The Audit Commission has urged the government to create protected areas for groundwater, apply more consistent sanctions against polluters and to insist on better data from cantons.
Laws to protect groundwater in Switzerland, which were were enacted 25 years’ ago, have yet to be fully applied, the Commission said.
The government has been given a deadline of September 30 to respond to the criticisms.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Excess fungicide residues could ‘impair groundwater for years’
This content was published on
Residues of chlorothalonil, an agricultural fungicide, are still too high in the groundwater from which most drinking water is obtained.
Switzerland and pesticides: Toxic relationship or necessary evil?
This content was published on
Swiss voters will soon decide if they want an outright ban on synthetic pesticides. Are the claims made by supporters true? A look at the facts.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.