Water UK is warning that the forthcoming EU review of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive may be taken as an opportunity to seek ever tighter restrictions on water quality, without supporting evidence of the economic and social consequences of such decisions.
The European Commission is to start a review of the Directive in the light of increasing uncertainty that any member state will be able to achieve good status in all water bodies by the 2015 deadline - significant use of exemptions and changes to other measures are now required.
Water UK, the organisation which represents all the UK water companies at UK and EU level, said that while protecting vulnerable ecosystems is vitally important, a balance needs to be struck between environmental costs and extra charges to water customers, particularly when measures proposed to protect the environment are not backed by comprehensive data.
Water UK said:
“We are concerned that a forthcoming review of the WFD may be taken as an opportunity to seek ever tighter restrictions on water quality, without supporting evidence of the economic and social consequences of such decisions.”
“Through the recent price review process in England and Wales, water companies have very detailed information about customers' priorities for the environment and, crucially, how much they are willing to pay.”
Water UK said it will continue to engage with European policymakers on the issue.
The European Commission is also separately considering whether or not to carry out a full review of the Drinking Water Directive. Initial results of a survey into perceptions of drinking water by European citizens last year which were presented in December, showed general confidence in the quality, accessibility and affordability of drinking water in the EU.
While the full analysis is not yet available, the results highlight an opinion that standards should be set for new and emerging pollutants, even if this increases the price of water.
Water UK commented:
“It is vital that new standards are not set without robust evidence to demonstrate that they are necessary.”
“Our view is that no new standards should be set without a robust scientific evidence base to support such a move and that any decisions must take account of the impact on costs to customers.”
“The Commission is clearly going to have its work cut out as it considers whether or not to carry out a full review of the EU Drinking Water Directive. We expect this decision during 2015.”
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