The EU Directive amending the Water Framework Directive, Drinking Water Directive, and Groundwater Directive has entered into force today, 11 May 2026.

This long-awaited revision includes, among other measures:

• An updated list of limit values for some pollutants and an introduction of harmful substances such as PFAS, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals
• New powers for the European Chemicals Agency to support future revisions of pollutant lists and related standards
• New exemptions to the non-deterioration principle for water bodies, a cornerstone of the Water Framework Directive

The increased level of ambition in monitoring and removing pollutants to protect both citizens and the environment is welcome. However, meeting these new requirements will entail additional treatment costs if pollution is not adequately prevented at source.

At a time when an impact assessment for the revision of the Water Framework Directive is ongoing, we stress the importance of the non-deterioration principle as a key condition for preserving the quality of water bodies and avoiding the transfer of additional treatment costs to citizens and small businesses.

Read our position paper on the Water Framework Directive call for evidence here.