The new Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2020 on the quality of water intended for human consumption (Official Journal of the EU 23.12.2020.435), has to be implemented by 2023. The challenges are summarized in the table below:
| Art. | Title, requirements | Needs, challenges faced by various stakeholders |
| 1 | ObjectivesThe goals concern not only quality but also access to water. | Providing access to clean and healthy water for all. |
| 2 | DefinitionsThere are new definitions, such as domestic distribution system, priority premises. | The necessity to introduce or refine definitions. |
| 3 | ExemptionsRestrictions for the use of certain articles of the directive by the smallest suppliers. | The necessity to define the responsibilities of big and very small entities. |
| 4 | General obligationsWater quality detailed in Annex I. Prevention of contamination of waters intended for production of water intended for human consumption.Leakage reduction. | The need to implement the Water Framework Directive, deterioration of the resources used for abstraction is unacceptable.The necessity to reorganize the water quality control system.In the long term – the obligation to monitor and reduce leakages. |
| 5 | Quality standardsValues in Annex I, possibility to define additional parameters. | Implementation of laboratory test plans and water quality control.Possible determination of values for additional parameters, locally relevant. |
| 6 | Point of complianceThe parametric values to be controlled at point of compliance – in a tap. | Establishing points of compliance, taking risk reduction measures. The necessity of close cooperation of water utilities with entities responsible for domestic distribution systems (priority premises).Broadening the scope of information for consumers. |
| 7 | Risk-based approach to water safetyA risk-based approach covering the entire supply chain from the catchment area, abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water to the point of compliance.Division of the risk management system into three parts:- catchment area- water supply system- domestic distribution system | Mandatory risk assessment and risk management throughout the entire supply chain, clear division of responsibilities between stakeholders. |
| 8 | Risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas for abstraction points of water intended for human consumptionThe scope and details of risk management in this area | The need to organize cooperation between stakeholders.The necessity to integrate the measures with other directives (especially 2000/60 / EC).Adjustment of monitoring.The necessity to organize the entire system (development, approval and enforcement), which requires the involvement of multiple stakeholders. |
| 9 | Risk assessment and risk management of the supply systemThe scope and details of risk management in this area. | Implementation of full risk management by water suppliers: control measures, operational monitoring, tool matching. |
| 10 | Risk assessment of domestic distribution systemsThe scope and details of risk assessment in this area. | The necessity of risk assessment.Legionella monitoring in priority premises. The need to inform and advise facility administrators, plumbers. |
| 11 | Minimum hygiene requirements for materials that come into contact with water intended for human consumptionObligation to control the safety of materials used in the construction of installations. | Many obligations imposed on the European Commission – the need to work out details. The need to verify new materials |
| 12 | Minimum requirements for treatment chemicals and filter media that come into contact with water intended for human consumptionObligation to control the safety of treatment chemicals. | The necessity to control the safety of substances used in water supply systems.Many obligations imposed on the European Commission – the need to work out details. |
| 13 | MonitoringMonitoring following Annex I, Parts A, B, C, and additional parameters if necessary.Monitoring following Annex I, Part D (domestic distribution systems)Monitoring by watch list.Monitoring to identify hazards and hazardous events.Operational monitoring following Annex II, part A.Identification of new threats – creating and updating the watch list.. | The necessity to reorganize monitoring programs.New burdens related to new substances for monitoring. A new challenge for the European Commission – creating and updating the watch list. |
| 14 | Remedial action and restrictions of usePossible reactions to non-compliance with parametric values or a health hazard. | Investigation, determination of the cause, consumer notifications, corrective actions. |
| 15 | DerogationsDerogations from the directive allowed in three specific cases and for a certain period of time. | The necessity of conducting remedial actions, investments, changes in functioning. |
| 16 | Access to water intended for human consumptionTaking all necessary measures to improve or maintain access to safe water for all. | The necessity of identification of marginalized groups, analysis of the possibilities of improving their situation.Construction of installations in public spaces outside and inside buildings. |
| 17 | Information to the publicInformation to consumers in accordance with Annex IV.More information obligations for entities supplying more than 10 000 m3/d or serving more than 50 000 people. | The necessity of preparing information, remodeling, and updating websites as well as water bills format. |
| 18 | Information on monitoring of implementationReporting as the responsibility of the Member States. | Possible modifications to the reporting system |
| 19 | EvaluationAssessment of the directive | Competence of the European Commission |
| 20 | Review and amendment of Annexes | Competence of the European Commission |
| 21 | Exercise of the delegationConditions for the adoption of delegated acts by the European Commission. | Competence of the European Commission |
| 22 | Committee procedureSupport for the European Commission. | Supporting procedure for the European Commission based on committee procedure |
| 23 | Penalties.The sanctions must be effective, proportionate and dissuasive. | The obligation for the Member States to lay down rules on sanctions. |
| 24 | TranspositionIntroduction of provisions to national law. | The obligation of the introduction of changes to national law. |
| 25 | Transitional periodTransitional period defined for some new substances or their groups. | The necessity to adjust national law and monitoring. |
| 26 | RepealRepeal of Directive 98/83 / EC as of January 13, 2023 (granted derogations remain valid) | |
| 27 | Entry into forceJanuary 12, 2021 | |
| 28 | AdresaciMember States |
