SafeDRINK

Microplastic (MP) pollution is an emerging threat to both ecosystems and human health. The Baltic Sea Region is increasingly affected, as MPs are detected in rivers, groundwater and reservoirs that serve as drinking water sources. Laboratories, water utilities and authorities currently lack the experience, harmonised methods and technical capacity to monitor MPs in line with new EU requirements. This prevents reliable risk assessment and timely response to potential contamination. Project brings together research institutions, water utilities, enterprises and public authorities from LV, EE, PL and DE to build institutional readiness and ensure safe, high-quality drinking water across the BSR. The project develops and tests harmonised monitoring methods, trains experts and establishes a shared regional database for decision-making. Public health and environmental authorities, supported by ministries, will use these results to strengthen regulations, coordinate cross-border monitoring and communicate transparently with citizens. Water suppliers and researchers will gain validated, cost-efficient methods suitable for utilities. By fostering cooperation between science, policy and practice, project improves the region’s capacity to detect and manage emerging contaminants, increases public trust in drinking water services and strengthens responsive, evidence-based governance across the region. Overall it will improve drinking water as significant public service supply.