A new public consultation has been launched by the European Commission for the revision of the Drinking Water Directive (RECAST 2017).
The Drinking Water Directive 98/83/EC (DWD) regulates the quality of water intended for human consumption. It provides a general framework and sets minimum values for 48 specific parameters that must be monitored regularly. It requires Member States to take remedial measures if they do not meet the set standards.
The REFIT evaluation of Directive 98/83/EC, a follow-up action to the first European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI) Right2Water, confirmed that this directive fulfils its purpose to protect human health from the adverse effects of tap water contamination. However, the evaluation, stakeholders’ consultations and the Court of Auditors identified problem areas like, among other things outdated quality standards, outdated approach or lack of transparency and of access to up-to-date information for consumers and too complex reporting.
A proposal for a revised directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption, is now ready for adoption by the EU Parliament and Council and the European Commission has launched a public consultation to accompany impact assessment and collect feedback that will be presented in a summary to the Parliament and Council to be part of the legislative debate.