Drinking Water Directive

Directive (EU) 2020/2184 replaces Directive 98/83/EC and aims to enhance the quality and safety of water intended for human consumption across the European Union. The Directive responds to the European Citizens' Initiative "Right2Water," emphasizing the EU's commitment to ensuring access to safe drinking water for all citizens.

Scope and Applicability

The Directive applies to all water intended for human consumption, including:

• Water used for drinking, cooking, food preparation, or other domestic purposes in both public and private premises, regardless of its origin and whether it is supplied from a distribution network, tanker, or in bottles or containers.
• Water used in any food business for the manufacture, processing, preservation, or marketing of products or substances intended for human consumption.

The Directive does not apply to:

• Natural mineral waters as defined in Directive 2009/54/EC.
• Waters which are medicinal products as defined in Directive 2001/83/EC.
• Water from individual supplies providing less than 10 m³ per day or serving fewer than 50 persons, unless the water is supplied as part of a commercial or public activity.

Key Provisions

1/ Risk-Based Approach

The Directive introduces a comprehensive risk-based approach to water safety, encompassing: 

• Catchment Area Risk Assessment: Evaluating risks in the areas surrounding water abstraction points. 
• Supply System Risk Assessment: Assessing risks within the water supply system, from abstraction to distribution. 
• Domestic Installation Risk Assessment: Identifying risks within domestic installations, particularly in priority premises like hospitals and schools.

2/ Updated Water Quality Standards

The Directive updates and introduces new parametric values for various substances to ensure the safety of drinking water, including: 

• Lower limits for lead and bisphenol A.
• Introduction of new parameters such as chlorate, chlorite, haloacetic acids, microcystin-LR, PFAS, and uranium. 
• Establishment of a watch list mechanism to monitor emerging contaminants like endocrine disruptors and microplastics.

3/ Materials in Contact with Drinking Water For the first time

The Directive sets EU-wide hygienic requirements for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water, such as pipes and fittings. This includes the development of European positive lists of authorized substances and materials, ensuring that these materials do not compromise water quality.

4/ Improved Access to Drinking Water

Member States are required to take measures to improve or maintain access to water intended for human consumption, with a particular focus on vulnerable and marginalized groups. This includes promoting the use of tap water in public spaces and providing information on water quality to consumers.

5/ Transparency and Consumer Information

The Directive mandates that consumers have access to up-to-date information on the quality of their drinking water. This includes information on parameters monitored, values measured, and potential health impacts, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in tap water.

Implications for Stakeholders

1. Water Suppliers: Must implement risk-based assessments across the entire supply chain, ensure compliance with updated water quality standards, and provide transparent information to consumers. 
2. Manufacturers: Producers of materials and products in contact with drinking water must comply with the new hygienic requirements and ensure their products are included in the European positive lists. 
3. Public Authorities: Responsible for transposing the Directive into national legislation, monitoring compliance, and facilitating access to safe drinking water for all citizens.

🔗 EC, ECHA, Sciencedirect