Safeguarding water quality: Council signs off on stricter protection rules for surface water and groundwater

Press release

The Council has formally adopted the directive on updating the list of pollutants affecting surface water and groundwater, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and PFAS. The revised rules also tighten environmental standards for several substances and strengthen monitoring across the EU.

The directive amends the water framework directive, the groundwater directive and the directive on environmental quality standards, aligning EU water policy with the latest scientific evidence.

"By setting stricter quality standards for our rivers, lakes and groundwater, we are ensuring access to clean drinking water and safeguarding the health of EU citizens today and for generations to come."
Maria Panayiotou
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus

Find more information on the official website of the Council of the EU.

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