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
1st February 2018