EU Council Adopts the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (recast), Setting New Standards for Environmental Protection and Public Health

Extended Producer Responsibility is introduced to support micropollutant removal in the water sector, reinforcing the Polluter Pays Principle

Europe’s wastewater operators breathe a sigh of relief as the Council of the European Union votes to adopt the Urban Wastewater Directive approved by the Parliament in October.

We welcome the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to cover the cost of micropollutant removal, setting an important precedent for the implementation of the Polluter Pays Principle in the water sector. This significant step helps to ensure the affordability of essential services like water while maintaining high environmental standards. EPR could be a game changer, not just for ethical, affordability, and investment reasons, but as a driver for innovation and the production of sustainable products.

Commenting, EurEau President Pär Dalhielm stated: "This decision paves the way for better protection of water resources and enhanced public health. However, if the UWWTD is to be successfully implemented, several and significant challenges will need to be addressed — not only by wastewater operators but by all stakeholders involved."

Originally introduced in 1991, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) has been pivotal in ensuring the collection and treatment of wastewater, improving the quality of waters all over the EU. This revision aligns the legislation with today’s environmental needs and technological advances, addressing emerging pollutants and more stringent water quality goals.

The updated directive introduces several key provisions to enhance wastewater treatment and reduce water pollution. These include stricter standards for nutrient and pollutant removal, enhanced monitoring (including health parameters and climate footprint), integrated urban wastewater management plans and a strong emphasis on promoting the circular economy.

Today’s vote supports both consumer interests and environmental sustainability by enacting critical regulations to safeguard water quality across Europe. However, while the directive mandates energy neutrality in the water sector by 2045, it falls short of fully integrating the sector’s potential contribution to broader municipal, national, and European energy neutrality goals. Meeting the new treatment requirements and achieving energy neutrality will require substantial investment and sector-wide adaptation.

The UWWTD (recast) reflects the collective commitment of EU institutions, water operators, and environmental organisations to address the evolving environmental challenges of the last three decades. EurEau is pleased with the outcome of the negotiations and will work closely with EU institutions to deliver safe, treated wastewater back into the environment, and to enhance the recovery of resources from wastewater and sludge contributing to Europe’s sustainable circular economy and competitiveness, for the benefit of everyone, everywhere.