Earlier this week, the European Council finalised a ground-breaking update to the EU directive on urban wastewater treatment. This revised directive reflects a stronger commitment to environmental and public health through its alignment with the EU’s ambitious Zero Pollution Action Plan. Key aspects of the directive emphasise expanding wastewater management to smaller urban areas, addressing new pollutant types, and supporting energy-neutral wastewater treatment systems. This comprehensive approach also supports the One Health framework, which highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
A major shift in the new directive is the reduction in the threshold size for wastewater treatment requirements. Previously, EU rules mandated wastewater collection and treatment in areas with a population equivalent (PE) of 2 000 or more. Now, these requirements apply to urban areas with a population of just 1 000 PE, bringing wastewater treatment obligations to many smaller communities. By 2035, all communities of this size or greater will need systems in place to collect and treat wastewater. This shift will enhance environmental protection across a broader geographical range and significantly reduce pollution from smaller urban centres.
The revised directive introduces innovative measures to manage emerging pollutants, including micropollutants commonly found in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. These substances, although present in trace amounts, can have profound impacts on ecosystems and human health, particularly as they accumulate over time. The “polluter pays” principle is also emphasised: under an extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme, manufacturers of these products are now required to bear 80% of the treatment costs associated with removing micropollutants from wastewater. This financial responsibility underscores the EU’s commitment to holding industries accountable and incentivising cleaner production practices.
The updated directive aligns closely with the One Health approach by addressing urban wastewater’s role in spreading antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR, which renders certain antibiotics ineffective, poses a serious public health challenge. The presence of antimicrobial agents and resistant bacteria in wastewater, if left unaddressed, can contribute to the spread of resistance in both human and animal populations. To combat this, the directive mandates that member states monitor wastewater for AMR, setting the stage for more targeted actions to curb this issue. Such monitoring will not only increase our understanding of AMR sources but also enable informed policymaking that aligns with global health objectives.
With the wastewater sector among the largest energy consumers in the public sector, the directive’s energy neutrality goals represent a significant step forward. By 2045, all treatment plants handling wastewater loads of 10 000 PE or more will need to offset their energy use with renewables generated onsite. Achieving energy neutrality will help wastewater facilities contribute to the EU’s climate goals while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from this critical infrastructure sector.
Microplastics are a growing concern in wastewater management. The new rules stipulate systematic monitoring of microplastics, particularly when sludge from treatment facilities is repurposed for agricultural use. This oversight ensures safer practices in sludge reuse and promotes the responsible management of microplastics in agricultural and environmental settings.
Additionally, a standardised method for measuring pollutants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), will enhance consistency across EU member states. The harmonised reporting and monitoring approach will support a collective effort to limit these harmful pollutants’ presence in the environment and protect public health.
The adoption of the directive marks the final legislative step, and it will soon be published in the Official Journal of the EU. Member states will have up to 31 months to adapt their national legislation to these new standards. This transition period will allow for necessary infrastructure updates and regulatory alignment, ensuring that all EU countries are positioned to meet the directive’s ambitious targets.
The revised EU directive on urban wastewater treatment is a landmark policy that brings environmental protection, public health, and sustainable practices into sharper focus. By incorporating One Health principles and stringent measures to tackle pollutants, the directive not only advances the EU’s environmental and public health goals but also serves as a model for comprehensive, interconnected solutions to global challenges.
For OHBP, this directive reinforces the shared mission of addressing pollution and protecting ecosystem health. The partnership between the EU, producers, and local authorities demonstrates that impactful environmental policies are possible when there’s a concerted, collaborative approach toward sustainable health solutions.
You can access the revised directive on urban wastewater treatment here.
