Last week the European Parliament voted for a water-smart urban wastewater management in Europe.
Similarly to the European Commission’s proposal, the Parliament supports energy neutrality target by 2040, and includes also consideration of methane and nitrous oxide emissions reduction. In particular, the Parliament encourages a better integration of the water-energy nexus to achieve a Water-Smart Society in Europe in line with the energy efficiency directive.
“At the heart of this water-energy nexus is the rapidly growing realisation that climate and water systems are linked, and changes in one system induce important, non-linear changes in the other one. Climate neutrality goals and attention to water resources shall then be developed in a mutually reinforcing way by achieving a Water Smart Society. It means that the value of water is recognised and realised, all available water sources are managed so that water scarcity and pollution are avoided; the water system is resilient against the impact of demographic changes, droughts and floods, and all relevant stakeholders are engaged to guarantee sustainable water governance, while water and resource loops are largely closed to foster a circular economy.” (Recital 19a)
Moreover, the position also envisions the potential innovative solutions in the coming years as regards to digital tools as well as keeping open the possibility for innovation for sludge management. Paired with a better integration of the circular economy opportunities, this directive will strengthen water reuse opportunities and the exploitation of the value in wastewater and sewage sludge.
Despite some improvement in terms of wastewater surveillance with the mention of E-Coli or legionella, the European Parliament’s position dilutes the polluter-pays-principle in the creation of the EPR scheme by the possibility to use up to 20% of national financing for the quaternary treatment for micropollutants. We agree – as mentioned in a joint letter – with the Vice Commissioner Suica that industrial actors shall pay their fair part for wastewater treatment : “ On extended producer responsibility I remain convinced that the industry should cover the full cost of the additional treatment needed to treat the residues of their products” (Suica, European Parliament, 2023).
Lastly, Water Europe welcomes the position of the European Parliament for more transparency. Lastly, Water Europe welcomes the position of the European Parliament for more transparency and easy access, particularly through digital channels, regarding the monitoring and treatment of urban wastewater. This may include measures like reporting compliance rates as a percentage.
