European Drinking Water (EDW) fully supports the objectives of the recast Drinking Water Directive (EU), particularly Article 11, which aims to ensure high hygienic standards for products in contact with drinking water throughout the European Union. Harmonised rules across Member States will ultimately benefit public health, consumer protection and confidence, and the functioning of the internal market.
Due to its complexity and the fast-approaching time (31 December 2026), EDW submitted a joint letter on 4th June to the EU Commissioner as a response to the call for evidence on the Drinking Water Directive.
In this letter, EDW highlights the urgent and unresolved challenges related to the implementation of Article 11 of the Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184, and respectfully requests a meeting with the Commissioner to discuss the matter in more detail.
The initiative has been coordinated jointly by the EDW platform, supported by 35 associations, including the European Sealing Association (ESA) and a large number of companies, representing the entire value chain – from raw materials (e.g., chemicals) to final products (e.g., pipes or valves) – as well as the full application scope of drinking water systems, including water treatment, in both public and domestic distribution across the European Union.
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.
Sandy Van den Broeck,
ESG Director, ESA