The Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” has launched the implementation of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “SafeDRINK – Strengthening Drinking Water Safety Against Microplastics in the Baltic Sea Region”
The project aims to strengthen the capacity of Baltic Sea Region countries for monitoring microplastics in drinking water by developing harmonised analytical methods, improving institutional readiness and establishing a shared regional cooperation and data exchange network.
Microplastics are increasingly detected in rivers, groundwater and reservoirs used as drinking water sources. At the same time, laboratories, water utilities and public authorities across the Baltic Sea Region still lack harmonised and practically tested approaches for monitoring microplastics in accordance with new European Union requirements. The SafeDRINK project will support the implementation of the European Commission Delegated Decision (EU) 2024/1441 and improve the ability to identify and manage potential risks to drinking water safety.
The project brings together partners from Latvia, Estonia, Poland and Germany, combining scientific, technological and institutional expertise. The lead partner is the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” (Latvia). Project partners include Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech, Estonia), Poznań University of Technology (Poland), the Estonian Health Board and DVGW German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water (Germany). Associated partners include water utilities, municipalities and public authorities.
During the project implementation, partners will:
- assess risks related to microplastic pollution in drinking water systems;
- develop and test harmonised monitoring protocols;
- organise interlaboratory testing and specialist training activities;
- establish a shared regional data exchange and cooperation platform;
- carry out public outreach and communication activities.
The SafeDRINK project will contribute to safer drinking water services and strengthen evidence-based decision-making across the Baltic Sea Region. The project results will provide practical solutions for laboratories, water suppliers and public authorities while increasing public trust in drinking water quality and safety.
The project implementation period is from 1 July 2026 until 30 June 2028. The total project budget is EUR 475,400.21, of which EUR 380,320.16 is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), while EUR 95,080.05 is provided as co-financing by the project partners.
Information published: 07.07.2026.
