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APE welcomes the revision of the EU Drinking Water Directive but warns that it may miss its target

Tap Water EC

On 1 February 2018, the European Commission published its proposal for a revision of Directive 98/83/EC (the “Drinking Water Directive”, DWD). We welcome this proposal, which places water utilities at the centre of a more holistic approach to managing the provision of drinking water services. By introducing a general obligation to apply a risk-based approach, specific information requirements for consumers and provisions to promote the access to water for all, this proposal will help increase consumers’ trust in the quality of tap water. We nevertheless also stress that the proposal needs to take better into account the complex realities of the water sector, in terms of governance, technical limitations and social implications. Without this, the proposal may miss its target.

You can find below our full position.