On Monday 10 September the European Parliament’s environment committee subscribed to the draft review of the drinking water directive, moving only slightly away from the test put on the table by the European Commission in February to strengthen the upper limits of certain pollutants, ensure surveillance of levels of microplastics and guarantee access for all to clean water in the EU (see EUROPE 12073, 12048). With its proposal, the Commission also wanted to respond to the European Citizens’ Initiative 'Right2Water.'
Following their rapporteur, French MEP Michel Dantin (EPP), the MEPs did, however, make more flexible the proposed measures on accessibility to water, measures that the Commission wanted to be binding. The amended text was voted through by 3 to 13 and 19 abstentions.
The MEPs say that the member states should take measures to improve access to water, such as installing free water fountains in towns and public places "when this is technically possible and proportionate". The member states should encourage the provision of free or low-cost tap water in restaurants, canteens and catering services. These amendments were voted through to respect the principle of subsidiarity. Michel Dantin welcomed the fact that the European Parliament’s committee has adopted "a clear position proposing a pragmatic response to the demands of European citizens".
In terms of the upper limits, the MEPs did not amend the limit on lead, which should be reduced by half, but did slightly tighten the level for perfluoroalkyls (PFAS). For endocrine disruptors (bisphenol A and beta-œstradiol), they did not follow the rapporteur (who favours just surveillance), instead wanting new upper limits.
The parliamentary committee also pointed out that member states should focus on the needs of vulnerable groups in society and identify people who do not have access to water or only have limited access, and inform them clearly about possibilities for getting running water installed or alternative means of access. 'Right2Water' clearly demanded recognition of water as a human right along with the universal right of access to water and sewage services. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)