New EU rules to improve urban wastewater treatment and reuse

On Wednesday, 10 April 2024, MEPs endorsed new EU regulations for urban wastewater management, passing the legislation with 481 votes for, 79 against, and 26 abstentions. This agreement, established with the Council in January 2024, updates the EU’s standards for managing and treating urban wastewater, emphasizing enhanced protection for public health and the environment.

By 2035, urban areas with populations of 1,000 or more will be required to implement secondary treatment processes to remove biodegradable organic matter before discharge. Tertiary treatments, aimed at eliminating nitrogen and phosphorus, will be mandatory by 2039 for facilities serving over 150,000 people and by 2045 for those serving 10,000.

The legislation also introduces extended producer responsibility for pharmaceutical and cosmetic products to finance the removal of micro-pollutants, ensuring producers cover at least 80% of these costs. Furthermore, EU countries must promote the reuse of treated wastewater, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.

To know more, Read the full press release