European Commission opens cases against Estonia & Austria over Drinking Water Directive
The European Commission has launched infringement procedures against Estonia and Austria for not fully implementing the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184 into their national legislation. This directive plays a crucial role in ensuring the availability of safe, clean, and high-quality drinking water for all citizens across the European Union.
Member States were required to bring their national laws in line with the Directive by January 12, 2023. However, following detailed conformity checks, the Commission identified several areas where Estonia and Austria failed to meet the necessary obligations. Formal letters of notice have now been issued, marking the first step in the EU infringement process.
Key Issues Identified
In Estonia:
Gaps in measures for protecting public health in cases of potential risks from drinking water.
Incomplete compliance of materials and products in contact with drinking water.
Shortcomings in applying the Directive’s risk-based approach, which requires identifying and managing risks throughout the entire water supply chain.
In Austria:
Non-conformities in the region of Carinthia related to general quality standards and regulatory obligations.
Partial transposition of risk assessment and management rules for catchment areas, supply systems, and domestic distribution networks.
Insufficient provisions for consumer information and online publication of water quality data.
Next Steps
Both Estonia and Austria now have two months to respond to the Commission and address the identified deficiencies. If their responses are found inadequate, the European Commission may issue reasoned opinions, which could lead to referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU).
About the Directive
The Drinking Water Directive (EU) 2020/2184, adopted in 2020, aims to strengthen public health protection and improve water quality standards across Europe. It introduces:
A risk-based approach for continuous assessment of water safety from source to tap.
Updated quality parameters to cover new pollutants, such as microplastics and endocrine disruptors.
Stricter hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water, including pipes and fittings.
Enhanced transparency, requiring suppliers to provide accessible information on water quality to consumers.
This legislative framework supports the EU’s broader Zero Pollution ambition, promoting resilience, sustainability, and trust in public water systems.
