Two endocrine disrupting chemicals (beta-estradiol and nonylphenol) are included in the first watch list of emerging substances to be monitored in drinking water, which the European Commission adopted on Wednesday 19 January.
The new Drinking Water Directive [(EU) 2020/2184], which came into force last year, required the establishment of a watch list of emerging compounds to be monitored along the water supply chain and treated, if necessary.
“Today we are giving effect to new rules that not only prevent well-known pollutants but also give us tools to address emerging concerns. We start with two substances that are endocrine disruptors affecting our health, the environment and biodiversity”, comments Environment Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius.
EU Member States now have until 12 January 2023 to ensure that monitoring requirements are met throughout the drinking water supply chain, and to take action if the guide values are exceeded.
The Commission stresses that as new substances that may be present in drinking water and pose a potential health risk - such as endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals or microplastics - emerge, they will be added to the watch list. (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)