EU Parliament adopts revised Drinking Water Directive

PVC4Pipes welcomes the vote as it paves the way for harmonising minimum hygienic requirements for articles in contact with drinking water across the EU.

The revision of the Drinking Water Directive has reached a major milestone. On 15 December 2020, the European Parliament adopted the recast directive after a process that begun with the European Citizens' Initiative Right2Water almost 10 years ago.

The new rules are designed to offer high quality tap water across the EU. By early 2022, the Commission will draw up and monitor a list of substances or compounds of public or scientific concern to health. The Commission must also establish European lists indicating which substances are authorised to come into contact with drinking water.

PVC pipes are a safe choice for the transportation of drinking water and have been used for many decades in Europe to deliver clean water to consumers. This is due to the pipes' high degree of inertness and resistance to corrosion. PVC pipes are free from bio-film contamination that can be a breeding ground for bacteria. By helping provide clean water, PVC pipes are beneficial to public health.