New rules for Safer drinking water for all Europeans

Most people living in the EU enjoy very good access to high quality drinking water. This results from long standing EU legislation protecting Europeans and ensuring that they have access to high quality drinking water. The Commission wants to make sure that this high quality is preserved in the long run. The Commission proposes to update provisions by adding new and emerging substances to the list of criteria for determining water safety (such as legionella and chlorate). These additions take account of the latest scientific knowledge and recommendations of the World Health Organisation.

The new rules will require Member States to improve access for all people, especially for vulnerable and marginalised groups who currently have difficulty accessing safe drinking water. In practice, that means setting up equipment for access to drinking water in public spaces, launching campaigns to inform citizens about the quality of their water and encouraging administrations and public buildings to provide access to drinking water.

Another important change in the legislation will give the public easy, user-friendly – including online – access to information about the quality and supply of drinking water in their living area, improving confidence in tap water.