The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) believes updating of the European directive on drinking water should be based on WHO guidelines. The European consultative body defends its point of view in an opinion adopted on 12 July on revision of the 1998 directive (98/83/EC), proposed by the European Commission in February this year to ensure clean drinking water is available to everyone in the EU (see EUROPE 12048, 11952).
Although hailing the Commission’s proposal, the EESC bemoans the fact that it does not clearly acknowledge the universal right of access to drinking water and sanitation called for by the European Citizens’ Initiative (ECI), “Right2Water” (see EUROPE 11384), and by the sustainable development goals (SDG) for 2030.
The rapporteur, Gerardo Larghi, says: “We consider water – including groundwater and hydrogeological basins – as a primary public good, and believe large natural water reserves should no longer be privatised”.
The WHO model, based on minimum water quantities for each person per day, could be a viable option, the EESC believes. It argues that policies should aim to comply with WHO criteria: water safety; observance of tolerance values and acceptance (with regard to colour, smell and taste); accessibility (water and sanitation facilities should be in close proximity to the home, school, workplace or health institutions); and water costs not exceeding 3% of household income. The EESC invites the member states and the Commission to monitor price developments and price transparency.
In order to encourage the use and sustainable management of a finite resource, the EESC suggests that member states should encourage citizens to drink tap water, which requires a guarantee of water safety and clear information for citizens. At the same time, the EESC recommends considering the possible impact that this would have on mineral water producers, and states that industry and agriculture should be discouraged from wasting water. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)