Update of EU water pollutant list takes next step

The EU has proposed to tighten the standards on water pollutants by updating the list of priority pollutants and environmental quality standards (EQS) in surface water and groundwater. Last week, the European council agreed its negotiating mandate on the directive, which allows the presidency to start talks with the European Parliament on the final text.

The proposed changes among others include new EQS on the sum of 24 PFAS in surface water and also on several pharmaceuticals and pesticides and their non-relevant metabolites. Compared to the initial proposal, several points have been weakened by the council which was lamented by environmental associations.

EU press release

Article European Environment Bureau

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