This section includes news about national and international water supply legislation as well as progress reports on current regulatory reviews.
The
current Drinking Water Directive (DWD) was published in 1998. As early
as 2003
the Commission organised a stakeholder consultation on the need for
revision.
This resulted in a broad consensus that amendments to the parameters
lists and
introduction of a risk based approach (comparable to that of Water
Safety
Plans) were desirable. The Commission subsequently appointed two
committees
under Article 12 of the DWD to examine (a) microbiological parameters
and (b)
sampling and analysis. At the same time consultants were appointed to
develop
proposals for chemical parameters.
Seven
years on and the Commission appear to have little appetite for a
new Directive, although arguments for introducing greater flexibility
while
maintaining health protection and consumer confidence are compelling.
The
Foundation has commissioned John Fawell MBE to report on progress with
the
review of the DWD.
For more information