advertentieToday, the European Commission decided to refer Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to adopt national laws transposing the recast Drinking Water Directive (Directive (EU) 2020/2184).
The recast Drinking Water Directive protects human health by updating water quality standards, addressing pollutants of concern such as endocrine disruptors and microplastics, and providing cleaner tap water. The recast Directive also addresses water leakages, as an average of 30% of drinking water is lost during distribution in the EU. Member States were required to transpose the Directive into national law and comply with its provisions by January 12, 2023.
In March 2023, the Commission sent a formal notice to Poland for failing to adopt and communicate all measures transposing the Drinking Water Directive. The Commission believes that efforts by the Polish authorities have been insufficient so far and is therefore referring Poland to the Court of Justice of the European Union with a request to impose financial sanctions.
Background
The Drinking Water Directive helps protect human health through updated water quality standards, addressing pollutants of concern like endocrine disruptors and microplastics, ensuring high-quality water from the tap for all EU citizens.
The latest revision of the Directive also includes new provisions requiring Member States to improve and maintain access to drinking water for all, as well as provisions on Member States water leakage levels. It supports the Zero Pollution Action Plan, as well as the Water Resilience Strategy.
More Information
Infringement decisions database and infringements map and graphs
Directive - EU - 2024/2881 - EN - EUR-Lex
Infringement procedure Poland (INFR(2023)0089)