11/05/2026 (Agence Europe) – A new European directive (https://aeur.eu/f/lv2 ) revising the lists of pollutants in surface and groundwater came into force on 11 May, announced the European Commission (see EUROPE 13837/10). The rules include the Water Framework Directive, the Environmental Quality Standards Directive and the Groundwater Directive. The revision extends the list of substances monitored to include certain PFAS, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators. It also updates the pollution thresholds for a number of substances that are already regulated. A new monitoring method, based on the combined effects of pollutants, is being introduced to improve risk assessment. The role of the European Chemicals Agency in updating standards has been strengthened. Member States will have to transpose these new rules by 22 December 2027. (LC)