There is increasing demand for the continent's limited water resources, the report warns

Continued inefficient use of water could threaten Europe's economy, productivity and ecosystems, a report has warned.

The European Environment Agency (EEA) said that the

continent's water resources were under pressure and things were getting

worse.

It said limited supplies were being wasted, and nations had to implement existing legislation more effectively.

The EEA presented its findings at the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille.

"The critical thing for us is that we are seeing an

increasing number of regions where river basins, because of climate

change, are experiencing water scarcity," said EEA executive director

Jacqueline McGlade.

"Yet behavioural change, and what that means, hasn't really come about."

Prof McGlade said the main purpose of the report was to raise awareness about the issue.

"Member states need to be clearer about the opportunities