The agreement is based on the proposal adopted by the Commission in February 2018, as a direct follow-up to the Right2Water European Citizens’ Initiative. It aims to improve the quality of drinking water and access to it as well as provide better information to citizens.

Currently, drinking water is controlled “end-of-pipe”. The newly agreed rules implement the so-called risk-based-approach, allowing for further prevention and mitigation measures to protect drinking water sources.

Another important change in the legislation aims to give the public user-friendly access to information about the quality and supply of drinking water in their living area.

The agreement includes detailed hygienic requirements for materials in contact with drinking water and gives the European Chemicals Agency a key role in ensuring that only safe substances can be used in pipes and taps in contact with water.

The provisional agreement is now subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and the Council.

Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, said: “Citizens have called on the Commission loud and clear to propose an initiative to ensure guaranteed access to safe drinking water for Europeans. The Commission followed up on that call, made through a European Citizens’ Initiative, with an ambitious proposal.

“[The] co-legislators have also heard that call and agreed to modernise EU rules, improving the quality of drinking water on the basis of the most recent standards, increasing access to water for all and enhancing transparency in this essential sector. Together we can and must protect the health and safety of our citizens.”

Dr Jill Robbie, lecturer in law at Glasgow University, told SLN: “The announcement that the European Parliament and Council have reached a provisional agreement in relation to a revised drinking water directive shows that the EU is taking seriously the European Citizens’ Initiative regarding access to clean and safe water.

“Ensuring the quality of drinking water requires a holistic approach and is key to meeting the targets of the UN’s Sustainable Development goals. The agreed text recognises the significance of pollutants such as micro-plastics, showing an up-to-date understanding of the risks to our water supply.”