The Drinking Water Directive is a European Union regulation that establishes minimum standards for the quality of water intended for human consumption. The main objective is to ensure that drinking water in all Member States is safe, healty and accessible to all citizens.
EU Dir. 2020/2184, transposed in Italy by Legislative Decree 18/2023, repealed Dir. 98/83/EC, making substantial changes to better reflect new needs related to public health and environment, also placing emphasis on the promotion of drinking water as an alternative to sugary drinks to improve public health. The main changes are related to:
- new list of parameters with the introduction of limit values also for substances such as BPA (bisphenol A) and PFAS;
- implementation of a risk-based approach;
- promotion of the use of more sustainable and energy-efficient water treatment techniques;
- assessment of the water network inside buildings;
- improving access to water;
- regulation of the type of information to be provided to consumers;
- harmonization of the different national approval systems for materials in contact with water intended for human consumption.
Materials intended to come into contact with drinking water
For materials intended to come into contact with drinking water, the main obligations set out in Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and related Regulations cover several key aspects. The Directive requires that such materials are safe, comply with strict hygiene standards and subject to constant monitoring and control.
In particular, Member States should ensure that materials used for the extraction, treatment, storage or distribution of drinking water:
- Do not compromise human health:
The materials should not release substances that may alter the quality of the water in such a way as to damage human health, respecting the safety limits defined by the directive. - Do not negatively affect the colour, smell and taste of the water:
The materials should not perceptibly alter the water from an aesthetic or sensorial point of view (colour, smell and taste), ensuring that the water remains pleasant to consume. - Do not promote microbial growth:
Materials should not promote the growth of pathogenic microorganisms or other microorganisms that could compromise the healthiness of the water. - Do not release contaminants at levels higher than necessary:
Materials should avoid the release of contaminants (such as heavy metals, hazardous chemicals, etc.) in quantities that may exceed the limits established by regulation, while ensuring the correct functioning of the material for its intended purpose.
These requirements are essential to ensure that drinking water remains safe and of good quality for consumers, protecting public health and ensuring the reliability of the distribution network.
New European drinking water system
The new European system introduced by Directive (EU) 2020/2184 establishes precise rules for the choice of materials and objects that are used in plants for the treatment, storage, supply and distribution of water intended for human consumption. The aim is to establish, through implementing acts, a first positive European list of starting substances, procedures and methods for testing and accepting materials and products.
Timing and transition process
The new regulation, regarding materials intended for contact with drinking water, applies from 2026 for new objects placed on the market, while objects already compliant and installed before that date will have a transition phase until 2032.
In conclusion, the choice of materials for contact with drinking water is essential to guarantee the quality and safety of water and the protection of public health, as well as compliance with current legislation.
