The revised Directive aims to improve the quality of drinking water, provide greater access and information to citizens and introduces a general obligation to apply a risk-based approach.

The proposal is in response to the European Citizens' Initiative 'Right2Water'.

The main elements of the revision include:

• Updates to existing safety standards in line with recommendations of the World Health Organisation
• Empowering authorities to better deal with risks to water supply and engage with polluter
• Improving information to consumers on the efficiency and effectiveness of water suppliers
• A contribution to the transition to a circular economy, notably the obligation to increase consumer confidence in tap water to reduce the amount of bottled water consumed