01/12/2020 (Agence Europe) – The interinstitutional political agreement on the proposal to update the 1998 ‘Drinking Water’ Directive has been endorsed by the European Parliament's Environment Committee on 1 December by an overwhelming majority (73 votes in favour, 2 against and 5 abstentions). The new rules will tighten the maximum limits for certain pollutants such as lead and bacteria. Another aim is the reduction of plastic waste by encouraging the use of tap water. This could be achieved by providing water free-of-charge in public buildings or at a low cost of service to customers of restaurants, canteens and catering services. The inter-institutional political agreement was reached in December 2019 (see EUROPE 12395/9), but the EU Council did not adopt its position until last October (see EUROPE 12588/26). The confirmation vote in the European Parliament will take place at the plenary session in December (14th–17th). (AN)