Purpose and Scope
Directive (EU) 2020/2184—commonly referred to as the Drinking Water Directive (DWD)—aims to ensure the provision of clean, safe, and accessible drinking water across the EU. Its key objectives are to:
- Protect human health by enforcing strict safety and quality standards for water intended for human consumption;
- Guarantee equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all EU citizens;
- Promote sustainability by encouraging the use of tap water and reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles.
Who is affected?
The Directive applies to all water intended for human consumption, whether supplied through distribution networks, tankers, bottles, or containers. It also includes water used in food businesses, where water quality could affect food safety.
Exemptions include:
- Natural mineral waters (covered by Directive 2009/54/EC),
- Medicinal waters (under Directive 2001/83/EC),
- Small private supplies serving fewer than 50 people or less than 10 m³/day—unless used commercially or in public settings.
Note: Member States may exempt small supplies only when it can be demonstrated there is no risk to human health.
Key Requirements Under the Directive
1. Water Quality Standards (Annex I)
Drinking water must meet legally binding limits across three categories:
A. Microbiological Parameters
To protect against pathogens:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Enterococci
- Clostridium perfringens (including spores)
- Legionella
B. Chemical Parameters
To minimise long-term health risks:
- Heavy metals: Lead (5 µg/L limit from 2036), arsenic, chromium, nickel
- PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Total PFAS ≤ 0.1 µg/L
- Other substances: Bisphenol A, pesticides (individual and total), nitrates, chlorate, chlorite, boron, selenium, cyanide
C. Indicator Parameters
To assess operational performance and water acceptability:
- pH, conductivity, turbidity, taste, odour
- Iron, manganese, ammonium, sodium, sulphate
(These do not constitute legal non-compliance but serve as early warning indicators.)
2. Mandatory Risk-Based Approach (RBA)
All water suppliers—including small-scale operators unless exempt under Article 3(2)—must implement a Risk-Based Approach consisting of:
A. Supply System Risk Assessment
Covers the complete supply chain:
- Source abstraction
- Water treatment
- Storage and distribution
Goal: Identify and mitigate any risks to water quality.
B. Domestic Distribution Risk Assessment
Focuses on priority buildings such as:
- Schools, hospitals, and care homes
- Risks include lead pipes, stagnant water, and Legionella contamination
C. Catchment Area Hazard Assessment
To safeguard water sources:
- Identify pollution pressures (e.g. from agriculture, industry)
- Foster cooperation among water suppliers, land users, and authorities
4. Materials in Contact with Drinking Water (Article 11)
This article introduces EU-wide hygiene standards for construction products in contact with drinking water, including:
- Pipes, valves, tanks, coatings, and fittings
Key Provisions:
- No adverse effects on water quality
Materials must not pose a direct or indirect health risk - Harmonised positive list
The European Commission will publish EU-wide list of authorised substances and compositions - Mandatory compliance with EU specifications
All products must meet harmonised hygiene requirements and undergo conformity assessments - Technical dossier submissions via IUCLID
Manufacturers/importers may be required to submit dossiers to ECHA for inclusion on the positive list
5. Implications for Market Actors
Manufacturers of Water Contact Materials:
- Must ensure compliance with EU hygiene requirements
- Non-compliant products will be excluded from EU markets and public tenders
- May be required to submit IUCLID dossiers to secure inclusion of their substances on the EU Positive List – substances not listed are prohibited from being placed on the market
Water Suppliers (Public and Private):
- Obliged to implement the full RBA and comply with all quality parameters
- Must inform consumers in line with Article 14
- Small suppliers may be exempt only if water is not for commercial/public use and poses no health risk
Operators of Priority Premises (e.g. hospitals, hotels, schools):
- Subject to internal distribution risk assessments
- May be required to upgrade plumbing or replace hazardous materials (e.g. lead pipes)
Support and Guidance for Suppliers and Manufacturers
Our regulatory experts offer tailored support to ensure your full compliance with the Drinking Water Directive:
- Conformity documentation (DoC) and compliance strategies for manufacturers and importers of materials intended for contact with drinking water
- Notifications of intention and DWD applications (Article 11) via IUCLID
- Practical guidance on the Drinking Water Directive (DWD) for suppliers
Contact us today to ensure your operations remain compliant, competitive, and future-proof.