BPMA and European pumps industry urges EU to heed water directive advice
20 Nov 2019
More than 30 European trade associations are urging the EU to include their recommendations within the new Drinking Water Directive (DWD) which comes into force next year.
Their lobby group, the European Drinking Water (EDW) initiative, has been advising member states on the proposed legislation since its inception in 2015.
A prime concern has been establishing a common view on standardisation of water quality across member state including harmonisation for products used in treatment and dispensing.
Among the trade associations involved has been Europump, representing the national pump association in 14 EU member states as well as Russia, Switzerland and Turkey. Its members include the British Pump Manufacturers’ Association.
Chair of its technical commission, Robert Dodane of Wilo Salmson said the EU had already shown commitment to revising its directive but more guarantees were needed.
“Having already spent a great deal of time and effort in finding a pathway through the standardisation minefield, we welcome the EU’s proposed revision to the Drinking Water Directive,” he commented.
"Indeed, adjustment to the existing provision on materials that come in to contact with water is seen by our industry as a credible approach to achieving the harmonisation we all seek, but we would strongly urge the adoption of the EDW’s suggestions in this regard.”
However it is believed that the DWD will not contain detailed rules. The hope is that there would be a mechanism whereby the EU adopt lists of allowable substances and materials, test methods, verification procedures and any legislative tools necessary.
To date, while discussions are continuing, each of the three EU’s legislative institutions – the commission, parliament and council have made their comments on the DWD, including those with regards to materials and products in contact with water.
