23/10/2020 (Agence Europe) – A step was taken on 23 October towards setting minimum requirements for tap water quality throughout the EU. The EU Environment Council formally adopted, without debate, its first-reading position on the revision of the 1998 Drinking Water Directive to update it in the interest of health and the environment. The revision was the subject of a political agreement with the European Parliament in December 2019 (see EUROPE 12395/9). The new rules align quality standards with WHO guidelines and introduce a cost-effective, risk-based approach to monitoring water quality. The Council has introduced hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water, such as pipes. Consumer information will be improved. Parliament has indicated that it will approve the Council’s position without amendment. (AN)