When, where and why do different fish species migrate – and how successfully do they manage to do so despite the barriers posed by hydroelectric power stations? Eawag researchers are investigating this by tagging fish and tracking their signals over a period of several years. Initial analyses have yielded surprising results.

Unseren Flussfischen geht es schlecht. Der Hitzesommer 2026 und Flussbarrieren lassen Hunderttausende verenden. Die vielen Kraftwerkbarrieren hindern verschiedene Fischarten bis heute an ihrer natürli...

Every year, Swiss wastewater treatment plants release around 5 tonnes of microplastics into the environment. That is relatively little: It is estimated that around twice as many microplastic enters Sw...

Fair research partnerships require more than funding: trust, shared decision-making and jointly defined priorities are key.

As glaciers retreat, new lakes emerge and ecosystems develop. A study in Greenland shows that they are highly connected to the surrounding landscape.

Pesticides that enter groundwater and eventually drinking water can pose risks to both human health and the environment. Groundwater in karst regions is particularly vulnerable to contamination becaus...

Urs von Gunten gehört weltweit zu den bekanntesten Wissenschaftlern, wenn es um die Aufbereitung von Trinkwasser geht. Er hat praktisch sein ganzes Berufsleben zum Thema Trink- und Mineralwasser gefor...

Eawag researchers have produced a global risk map for manganese in groundwater, which can cause health problems in excessive concentrations.

Green roofs differ from ground-level habitats in terms of biodiversity. This can help to boost biodiversity in cities.

When there is a prolonged dry spell and local authorities call on residents to save water, questions immediately arise as to whether it would make sense to reuse more water and collect rainwater. In l...

Toxic blue-green algae blooms are a threat to lake ecosystems and can be toxic for humans and animals. At present, it is only possible to predict roughly when and where such blooms will form – based on water temperature and nutrient levels. Now, a long-term study by Eawag researchers shows that the accumulation of blue-green algae in a lake depends crucially on other plankton species: some organisms promote blue-green algae blooms, whilst others can prevent them even under favourable environmental conditions.

As the leader of the research group on Multifunctional Blue-Green Design at Eawag, Lauren Cook explores the intricate trade-offs between flood management, biodiversity, and urban heat. In this interview, she challenges the simplicity of "nature-based solutions" and explains how decision-making tools can help find the optimal solution for competing goals.

Groundwater, our most important source of drinking water, faces a wide range of threats. A survey of experts shows that: the challenges are well known. However, effective protection requires better cooperation, more rigorous implementation of existing measures and long-term political commitment.

When planning blue-green infrastructure, greater emphasis must be placed on biological aspects. Systems with higher biodiversity function more effectively.

A global analysis of fish biodiversity using environmental DNA (eDNA) reveals how human activity and climate influence biodiversity patterns in river ecosystems. An international research team led by ...

Access to safe drinking water, as defined by the SDGs, modestly protects children from diarrheal diseases. An Eawag study shows which service elements matter most.

The Federal Council reappoints Martin Ackermann as Eawag director for another term.

YouTube video by Eawag - aquatic research

YouTube video by Eawag - aquatic research

A guide helps project leaders restore wetland forests to promote biodiversity and combat climate change.

Artificial groundwater recharge is one way of preparing for increasingly frequent dry spells. The length of time the water spends in the ground between infiltration and extraction is crucial to its qu...

The sanitation objective of Sustainable Development Goal 6, sanitation for all, is off-track and far from being completed by 2030. Vermifiltration could help address this gap: The nature-based sanitation management system shows increasing promise globally because of its low cost. Researchers at Eawag’s Sandec department visited vermifilter installations in India and Switzerland to examine how local differences influence their optimal design.

YouTube video by Eawag - aquatic research

Since 1992, the United Nations has designated 22 March as World Water Day. In 2026, the theme will be "Water and Gender". What does water have to do with gender equality? And why does access to water ...

YouTube video by Eawag - aquatic research

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YouTube video by Eawag - aquatic research

YouTube video by Eawag - aquatic research

To manage water, it is necessary to know its flows and stocks and the issues at stake. Together with our partners we have developed an easy-to-understand diagram to visualize water flows and make water management tangible for a broad audience. The aim is to empower municipalities and local stakehold...

An investigation in the canton of Zurich has shown that certain rare earth elements can enter bodies of water via wastewater treatment plants in concentrations that pose a risk to aquatic organisms. These elements are gadolinium, which comes from contrast agents used in healthcare facilities, as well as lanthanum and cerium, which are used in a number of wastewater treatment plants to remove phosphorus.