New EU law to better protect water enters into force

EU rules that update the lists of pollutants in surface and groundwaters have entered into force, aiming to improve water resilience and reduce pollution. The updated lists reflect the latest scientific advice and ensure that new substances are monitored more closely and subject to stricter controls.

New substances added to water pollutant lists

The EU has added newly identified substances harmful to the environment and human health to its list of water pollutants. These include certain PFAS, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. For the first time, the rules also address microplastics, indicators of antimicrobial resistance, and sensitive groundwater ecosystems. 

The new law introduces a new method that assesses the combined impact of pollutants on water quality, rather than measuring substances individually. This could make monitoring more thorough and efficient. 

The law also gives the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) a major role in preparing future revisions and standards through a more unified approach.

New simplification measures

The law simplifies reporting obligations for EU countries and makes it easier to share monitoring data with the Commission through digital tools, to be developed in cooperation with the European Environment Agency.

It also defines the principle of ‘non-deterioration’ and allows more flexible application in specific cases. This is intended to facilitate improvement works such as bridge reconstruction or flood-protection works that may temporarily affect water quality, as well as activities that relocate pollution without increasing it, such as construction dewatering or sediment dredging.

EU countries must implement the new rules by 22 December 2027. The lists of pollutants will continue to be regularly reviewed and updated if necessary.  

For more information

Stricter rules for protecting water in EU enter into force

Water resilience strategy

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