The European Drinking Water (EDW) industry initiative is an alliance of 32 trade associations, including the European Sealing Association (ESA), representing industries supplying products or materials used in drinking water applications and municipal drinking water supply within the European Union.
With the broad knowledge of its members, covering both the individual elements of the supply chain and the wide range of drinking water applications, that initiative has established itself as the voice of the industry and is now a recognised partner for legislators, regulators and other stakeholders.
European Member States face diverse challenges related to climate change, water scarcity, pollution, flooding, and drought, necessitating tailored solutions. Drinking water is a vital yet increasingly costly resource. We support the EU’s focus on ensuring access to clean and healthy drinking water through a risk-based approach. Implementation efforts regarding the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) are ongoing but with different national interpretations, leading to legal and economic uncertainties.
Therefore, a harmonised and standardised approach to risk assessment, monitoring and quality management would increase water quality and reduce costs for handling drinking water at the benefit of consumers, the competent authorities and businesses.
We ask the Commission to ensure that the state of the art is adequately considered and that unnecessary barriers to innovation are avoided.
These updates aim to harmonise regulations, enhance safety, and ensure high-quality drinking water standards across the EU.
Sandy Van den Broeck
ESG Director, ESA