#EUDrinkingWater - Better quality and access

Most people in the EU have good access to high quality drinking water. According to a report by the European Environment Agency (2016), more than 98.5% of tests carried out on drinking water samples between 2011 and 2013, met EU standards.

The EU Drinking Water Directive sets minimum quality standards for water intended for human consumption (drinking, cooking, other domestic purposes), in order to protect us from contamination.

Parliament will vote on an update of the rules to increase consumer confidence and encourage the drinking of tap water. The report, adopted by the environment committee in September, calls on EU countries to “promote universal access” to clean water for everyone, especially vulnerable groups with no or only limited access.

The legislation aims to further increase tap water quality by tightening the maximum limits for certain pollutants such as lead (to be reduced by half), or harmful bacteria. Levels of microplastics will also be monitored. The new rules would also increase transparency and provide consumers better access to information.
Drinking tap water is cheap and environmentally friendly. Members want measures such as installing free fountains in public places - including shopping centres and airports - and encouraging the provision of tap water in restaurants.

According to the European Commission, access to better quality water could reduce bottled water consumption by 17%. Less bottled water would help people save money and also have a positive impact on the environment, by reducing CO2 emissions and plastic waste.

The Right2Water citizens’ Initiative gathered more than 1.8 million signatures, which shows how strongly Europeans feel about drinking water. Public consultation has shown they feel insecure about the quality of tap water when travelling in other EU countries, although compliance rates are high. They also wish to receive more up-to-date information on the quality of drinking water.

Next steps

MEPs will debate the new rules today (22 October) and vote on them the following day. The rules will then have to be negotiated with the Council and the Commission before they can enter into force.