Recast Drinking Water Directive in effect: European Chemical Agency’s role

The European Chemicals Agency has made an announcement about the Recast Drinking Water Directive, which sets out minimum requirements to protect the quality of water intended for human consumption (preventing contaminated tap water), and which has now come into effect, the original measures having been subject to several amendments. This recast is novel as it takes into direct account the first ever European Citizens’ Initiative to be successful – ‘Right2Water’ (signed by 1.6 million people), in particular with regard to concerns raised about access to water, and vulnerable categories of society.

Under this Directive, Member States are required to take the necessary measures to ensure that water intended for human consumption is f