EU: Drinking Water Directive (Recast)
On 1 February 2018 the Commission proposed the recast of Council Directive
98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption (the 'Drinking
water directive'). The DWD showed to be a relevant tool in ensuring the high
quality of the water consumed in the EU but still uses parameters set over 20
years ago. The proposal aims to update those parameters, correct shortcomings
and introduce the access to water in response to the first ever European
citizens' initiative 'Right2Water'.
On 1 February 2018 the Commission proposed the recast of Council Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption (the 'Drinking water directive'). The DWD showed to be a relevant tool in ensuring the high quality of the water consumed in the EU but still uses parameters set over 20 years ago. The proposal aims to update those parameters, correct shortcomings and introduce the access to water in response to the first ever European citizens' initiative 'Right2Water'.
The Drinking Water Directive (DWD) underwent an evaluation that identified 4 problematic areas:
1. the list of parameters;
2. the use of the risk-based approach;
3. Transparency on water-related issues and access to up-to-date information for consumers;
4. Materials in contact with drinking water.
The DWD revision is part of the Commission's Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme (REFIT) and aims at overcoming the identified shortcomings.
The proposal will support Member States to manage drinking water in a resource-efficient and sustainable manner, thereby reducing energy use and unnecessary water loss. It will reduce the number of plastic bottles, improving people's confidence in tap water, and provide more comprehensive information to citizens and to ensure everyone has access to a minimum water supply.
Rapporteur: M. Dantin (EPP)
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