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.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Man charged with flying drone at women’s Euro 2025
This content was published on
A man flew a drone around the venue on Wednesday evening during the first match of the Women's EURO 2025 in St. Gallen. The 30-year-old violated the absolute ban on flying during match days. He was reported to the police.
More than 250 Swiss companies sign CO2 reduction initiative
This content was published on
A total of 257 companies from Switzerland have signed up to the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). In doing so, they are committing to CO2 reduction targets that are compatible with the Paris Climate Agreement.
Swiss accident prevention group sees federal targets at risk
This content was published on
The Swiss government's target for accident figures is at risk, reckons Mario Cavegn, member of the executive board of the Swiss Council for Accident Prevention.
Feminicide: Swiss justice minister calls for electronic monitoring
This content was published on
Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans has called for electronic monitoring and an ankle bracelet warning system for perpetrators of violence against women.
This content was published on
American artist Chaka Khan ‘and friends’ opened the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival on Friday. For over three hours, their show, dedicated to their friend and mentor Quincy Jones, thrilled the audience,
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.