Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Date of latest update: 2025-10-08

Description

Description (EN):

The WHO and DG Health have warned that water quality – natural or bathing – is a major environmental health concern, as it can lead to serious health effects. Much progress has been made in the EU to improve surface water quality and reduce the threats of pollutants. However, urban water quality also requires attention because we spend more and more in urban “beaches”. Exposure to chemical, microbiological and pathogen pollutants may occur in any bathing water e.g. urban bathing site. Considering the whole CE region 65% of the dominantly urban surface waters met only the minimum standards according to the Bathing Water Directive. The UrbanBlueHealth project aims to describe the health impacts of the bathing water on the urban population and to take action to improve the urban environment in the CE area. The project will develop a Blue Health Repository to help the decision makers monitor the urban bathing water quality and its change. National action plans will be elaborated, tested and implemented to provide solutions to improve the urban bathing environment on the pilot urban bathing sites. Capacity building courses will be organised, tailored to the bathing water site managers and local/regional beach operating bodies for the best implementation of the action plans, while the Transnational Bathing Water Platform will provide the follow up of the project results and sustain the cooperation to the potential stakeholders. The knowledge providing partner national/regional health authorities and institutions will provide the baselines of the bathing water quality and its health impacts at transnational scale. Local and regional authorities, cities, NGO and the pilot urban bathing sites will contribute to elaborating, testing and implementing the action plans and will conduct capacity building activities. The project activities have been structured to maximise opportunities for cooperation and the pooling of experience and ideas at the transnational level

Actual Achievements (EN):

The first year of the project ended with fulfillment the objectives and deliverables planned in the AF. Since the period covered the 2024 summer bathing season, the Czech, Polish and Croatian collaborates proactively, but in consultation with the LP and taking into account the planned actions, carried out water quality assessment tests. These water quality tests established the baseline analysis tasks for further work and serve as the basis for professional consultations both within the partnership and with stakeholders. At the transnational workshop in Prague, representatives of the project partners presented the health challenges arising pilot areas, beaches (e.g. algae blooms, the appearance of mycotoxins and the effects of pollution sources). The Polish, Croatian and Czech partners also presented their draft SWOT assessments; ones serve as the basis for the Joint CE Bathing Water Strategy. In addition to presenting the challenges in Prague, possible solutions were discussed involving external experts presented. This transnational event complemented the work of local bottom-upped stakeholder groups (bathing water groups) established at the local level. By the time of the workshop, national bathing water groups had been established in all partner countries, thus they contributions were included in the SWOTs and baselining tasks. The partners took significant steps to present the project achievements to the public, in the form of professional and popular articles (e.g. Bazén & Sauna by SZU) and institutional websites, as well as on social media, FB and LinkedIn by NIOM. After the first year, it was confirmed that the project approaches water quality improvement from several angles: from the Czech side, preventing algae blooms, from the Polish side cleaning the water and the waterfront, and from the Hungarian side, indicating the presence of sewage directly in the water. This diversity of problem identification and solution remains one of the most important transnational added values of the project

Project outputs: Co-operative network(EN)
Joint CE Transnational Bathing Water Strategy(EN)
Urban Bathing Water Action Plans(EN)
Pilot actions in selected partners cities(EN)
Solutions to improve urban bathing sites in selected cities(EN)

Thematic information

Water management Health and social services

Priority: (VI-B_CE_2) Cooperating for a greener central Europe

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 064 Water management and water resource conservation (including river basin management, specific climate change adaptation measures, reuse, leakage reduction)

Partners (9)

Lead Partner: Nemzeti Népegészségügyi és Gyógyszerészeti Központ

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998706957

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU15598787

Department: Department of Public Health, Laboratories and Methodology

Address: Albert Flórián, 1097 Budapest, Hungary

Department address: Albert Flórián, 1097 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.nngyk.gov.hu

Total budget: EUR 244 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 195 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 48 860.00

Nastavni zavod za javno zdravstvo Osječko-baranjske županije

Name: Nastavni zavod za javno zdravstvo Osječko-baranjske županije

Department: Department of Public Health

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 953055265

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR46854859465

Address: Franje Krežme , 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Department address: Franje Krežme , 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://www.zzjzosijek.hr

Total budget: EUR 169 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 135 520.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 880.00

Grad Osijek

Name: Grad Osijek

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950567603

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR30050049642

Address: Franje Kuhača, 31000 Osijek, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.osijek.hr

Total budget: EUR 166 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 133 280.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 320.00

Contractors:

Name: SKRIPTA TISAK D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 30050049642

Medizinische Universität Wien

Name: Medizinische Universität Wien

Department: CePII, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Unit Water Hygiene

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU57469858

Address: Kinderspitalgasse, 1090 Wien, Austria

Department address: Kinderspitalgasse, 1090 Wien, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.meduniwien.ac.at

Total budget: EUR 205 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 164 640.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 160.00

Croatian Institute of Public Health

Name: Croatian Institute of Public Health

Department: Department for Water Safety and Supply

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998128255

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR75297532041

Address: Rockefellerova , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Department address: Rockefellerova , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://wwwhzjz.hr

Total budget: EUR 179 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 143 360.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 840.00

Státní zdravotní ústav

Name: Státní zdravotní ústav

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ75010330

Address: Šrobárova, 10000 Praha, Czech Republic

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.szu.cz

Total budget: EUR 187 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 150 080.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 520.00

Asociace pro vodu ČR z.s.

Name: Asociace pro vodu ČR z.s.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CZ44994397

Address: Tratova, 61900 Brno, Czech Republic

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.czwa.cz

Total budget: EUR 119 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 95 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 800.00

Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Prof. J. Nofera

Name: Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Prof. J. Nofera

Department: Chemical Safety Department/Biological Safety Unit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999835940

Partner’s ID if not PIC: PL7240003125

Address: ul. św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus, 91-348 Łódz, Poland

Department address: ul. św. Teresy od Dzieciątka Jezus, 91-348 Łódź, Poland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.imp.lodz.pl

Total budget: EUR 203 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 40 600.00

Aquapalace Kft

Name: Aquapalace Kft

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU13753065

Address: Kálvária, 2000 Szentendre, Hungary

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Other

Website: http://www.v-8.hu

Total budget: EUR 154 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 123 200.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 30 800.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Teaching Institute of Public Health for the Osijek-Baranja County

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

City of Osijek

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

Medical University Vienna

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

National Institute of Public Health

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

Czech Water Association

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

Instytut Medycyny Pracy im. Prof. J. Nofera

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

Aquapalace Ltd

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Partners and Projects info

National Center for Public Health and Pharmacy

Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Project acronym: UrbanBlueHealth

Project ID: CE0200763

Project start date: 2024-05-01

Project end date: 2026-10-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Drinking water: multidisciplinary assessment of secure supply from the source to the consumers;
2018-1.2.1-NKP-2018-00011; supported by National Research, Development and Innovation Office, Hungary (EN) | The focus of the project, which runs until October 2023, is the examination of pollutants of water basis and tap water. These new, anthropogenic pollutants( e. g. pharmaceuticals, antibiotic-resistant pathogens) enter to surface waters through sewage and other leaching, and can greatly affect to the function of the ecosystem, thereby the quality of natural bathing waters, too. Examining them within this project is definitely justified. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 628 900.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 303 120.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 303 120.00. Co-financing rate, 80.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

national bathing water groups
Blue Health Repository
transnational urban bathing water SWOT analysis
joint transnational workshop
joint transnational strategy
benchmarking
urban bathing water action plans
pilot test actions and examinations implemented in three partner cities
joint transnational workshop
solutions on improving urban bathing sites
joint training curriculum
capacity building trainings
CE transnational bathing water platform
Declaration of Urban Blue Health Initiative

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

TerritorialAgenda2030 The urban population has always demanded the possibility of bathing in the city, however, from the point of view of bathing safety, the operation of urban bathing sites is not an easy task, special attention must be paid to the environmental load caused by urban pollutants (e.g. chemical contamination, sewage ingress) or even by a large number of bathers. By examining the pollutants in the urban environment, new recommendations can be made for urban bathing locations, for more efficient waste water treatment, or even in relation to tourism investments.
EuropeanGreenDeal Although the Green Deal does not explicitly address urban bathing water quality, it does encompass various initiatives and strategies that can indirectly contribute to improving water quality in urban areas. Here are some ways the Green Deal can involve urban bathing water quality issues. Water Pollution Reduction: The Green Deal emphasizes the reduction of pollution and the protection of water resources. By implementing measures to reduce pollution from various sources, such as industry, agriculture, and urban areas, the Green Deal indirectly contributes to improving bathing water quality.
EUStrategyBalticSeaRegion The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) addresses bathing water quality issues not only in the Baltic Sea but also in the rivers that flow into the sea. The strategy recognizes the interconnectedness of river systems and their impact on the overall ecological status of the Baltic Sea. Here's how the EUSBSR deals with bathing water quality issues of the rivers.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion While the EUSDR does not have specific provisions solely dedicated to urban bathing water quality, its focus on water management, environmental protection, and regional cooperation creates a framework for addressing water quality issues, including those related to urban bathing waters, in the Danube region. The implementation of the strategy involves collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including national and local authorities, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO87) Organisations cooperating across borders: 11.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSBSR

EUSBSR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSBSR Degree of compliance:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Central Europe

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-10-08

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

100 / 100 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

1 021 / 1 011 (100.99%)

Notes on the data

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Joint central European actions for improving quality of urban bathing waters

Description

Thematic information

Partners (9)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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