The new EU regulations for the protection of water against PFAS, pesticides, and microplastics come into force.

The directive updates the lists of monitored pollutants in surface waters and groundwater and introduces stricter controls for substances with harmful effects on the environment and health. Member states must transpose the amendments by December 22, 2027.

The directive revising EU rules on surface waters and groundwater has come into force, updating the lists of pollutants that must be monitored and controlled in the European Union.

In short

The new directive updates EU rules on surface waters and groundwater.

The lists of pollutants include PFAS, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and indicators of antimicrobial resistance.

The directive amends three legislative acts: the Water Framework Directive, the Environmental Quality Standards Directive, and the Groundwater Directive.

The new rules simplify reporting for member states and strengthen the digital exchange of monitoring data with the Commission.

Member states must transpose the amendments by December 22, 2027.

The review of water rules was proposed by the European Commission in 2022 and aims to align the lists of pollutants with the latest scientific advice. The new rules establish stricter monitoring and control of certain substances in surface waters and groundwater.

The directive amends three EU legislative acts: the Water Framework Directive, the Environmental Quality Standards Directive, and the Groundwater Directive.

The updated list includes certain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals," pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. The Commission shows that these categories have documented harmful effects on the environment or human health.

For the first time, the new rules also address microplastics, indicators of resistance to antimicrobial agents, and sensitive groundwater ecosystems.

The directive also introduces measures to reduce the administrative burden for member states. Reporting requirements will be streamlined, and the exchange of monitoring data between member states and the Commission will be facilitated through digital tools.

The new rules strengthen cross-border cooperation. In the event of incidents, there will be mandatory warnings for downstream river basins.

The act introduces a definition of non-deterioration and allows the continuation of certain activities under strict conditions. These include improvement works, such as bridge reconstruction or flood protection works, when the impact is only temporary.

The directive allows, under strict guarantees, activities that only lead to the relocation of pollution, without increasing it effectively. Examples mentioned are remediation works for construction or sediment dredging.

The Commissioner for the Environment, Resilience in Water, and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, stated that the review will help reduce water pollution with PFAS, pesticides, and other harmful chemicals.

"The review of water legislation will help reduce our water pollution with PFAS, with pesticides, and with other harmful chemicals. This is exactly what we set out to do in the European Water Resilience Strategy, for Europe to become more resilient regarding water. Clean waters are important for human health, for the environment, and for our economy. It is one of the smartest investments we can make and will generate many benefits," said Jessika Roswall.

Member states must apply the requirements and transpose the amendments to the three directives by December 22, 2027.

EU water rules establish the protection framework for surface waters and groundwater, including through monitoring pollutants and environmental quality standards.

The update comes in the context of the European Water Resilience Strategy, through which the Commission aims to reduce pollution, adapt to climate pressures, and manage water resources more efficiently.

The inclusion of PFAS, microplastics, and indicators of antimicrobial resistance reflects the expansion of European concerns from traditional pollutants to emerging risks for health, the environment, and aquatic ecosystems.

https://2eu.brussels/ro/stiri/intra-in-vigoare-noile-norme-ue-pentru-protectia-apelor-impotriva-pfas-pesticidelor-si-microplasticelor