Today’s decision by the Commission means that drinking water across the EU will be closely monitored for possible presence of two endocrine disrupting substances (beta-estradiolAndNonylphenol)throughout thewholewater supply chain. As required byEU regulations on drinking waterThe Commission has been in force since last January and established today a first watchlist of emerging compounds for monitoring and addressing if necessary.
Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and FisheriesVirginijusSinkeviiussaid:
No compromise can be made on the quality of tap water. We begin with two substances that can disrupt the endocrine system and impact our health, the environment, or biodiversity.
Now that the watch list is established, Member States have until 12 January2023 to put in place monitoring requirementsthroughout the drinking watersupply chain, as well astake measuresif guidance values are exceeded. Over time, if new substances emerge that are likely to be present in drinking water and could pose a potential health risksuch as endocrine disruptors, pharmaceuticals or microplasticsthe Commission will add them to the list.This new mechanism will contributetoachievingthe objectives of theEU Chemicals StrategyandoftheZero Pollution Action Planfor a toxic-free environment.
Background
In January 2021, the revised Drinking Water Directive was adopted. Its main purpose is to ensure the protection of human health and quality standards for EU citizens. The Directive must be transposed into national law by the 12 January 2023 deadline. The Implementing Decision, as per the recast Drinking Water Directive, is the form of the rules today.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals are a mixture of chemicals with varying structures that can interfere in physiological and biochemical processes within the human body.
More information
Implementing Decision
Drinking water legislation – Environment – European Commission (europa.eu)
