PROTECTING WATER RESOURCES: TIME TO ACT! Exploring French and European approaches

This in-person only event took place at Climate Academy (2 Place Baudoyer, 75004 Paris, France) with FR/EN interpretation available.

This seminar shed light on issues related to water quality in France and in Europe, identifying effective responses to the common challenges, in a context of climate change and increasing risks of anthropogenic degradation, particularly from industrial and agricultural activities.

The morning session addressed the topic from a European perspective. The revised Drinking Water Directive, which entered into force in 2021, prioritises preventive measures for the protection of water resources in drinking water catchment areas. Given the rising number of pollution events affecting raw waters and the inadequate application of the polluter-pays principle, we explored how regulatory and governance frameworks should evolve to ensure a proper risk management in the catchment areas - in line with EU requirements – while also addressing the costs generated by pollution. To do so, we reviewed promising approaches adopted in different European countries, as well as best practices from Europe’s water operators.

The afternoon session presented the approach to water quality of the City of Paris and its water operator - Eau de Paris – which is centred on preventive rather than remediation measures. With the contribution of experts and peers, the session provided an opportunity to take stock of almost 30 years of pioneering strategies to protect groundwater catchments in partnership with farmers that Eau de Paris has developed in collaboration with the river basin authority ‘Seine Normandie’. A final round table looked at how to accelerate the restoration of water quality and reduce the impact of pollution costs on users’ water bills.

Download the presentations:

• Elena Montani, European Commission’s Directorate General for Environment

• Kris Van den Belt, Flanders Environment Agency (VMM)

• Caroline Whalley, European Environment Agency (EEA)

• Anne Scherfig, Greater Copenhagen Water Utility

   

Download the agenda here.