This publication forms a section of the Manual of European Environmental Policy, published by IEEP in 2012. In this chapter the development of EU water pollution policy is explored. There are now numerous directives, regulations and decisions that are employed to secure, protect, and manage freshwater and marine environments and control water pollution. For example this chapter includes the Water Framework Directive and Marine Strategy Framework Directive and other directives and policies covering flooding; water scarcity; and dangerous substances in water.