Post a comment on the text below

1.4.         EU Policy context for chemicals in surface waters

Water Framework Directive:

The WFD entered into force on 22 December 2000, establishing a framework for the protection of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater. Among the objectives of the WFD is the aim towards enhanced protection and improvement of the aquatic environment, through specific measures for priority substances. Priority substances are set out in the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (EC, 2008a), as substances presenting a significant risk to or via the aquatic environment. 

The requirement to achieve good status in surface waters under the WFD means meeting certain standards for ecological and chemical status. “Good chemical status” means that concentrations of all priority substances in a water body are below the environmental quality standard (EQS) i.e. failure of one EQS means the water body does not achieve good status. These standards are set at European level. More local chemical standards, for substances discharged in significant quantities, can be set by Member States as “River Basin Specific Pollutants” (RBSPs) and contribute to the classification of ecological status.

Under the WFD, the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (EC, 2008a) concerns priority substances in surface waters. It defined environmental quality standards (EQS) which apply across the EU for the chemical status of surface waters, intended to limit the occurrence of certain chemical substances which pose a significant risk to the environment. Regular review of this directive includes review of the list of priority substances (Annex 10) to the WFD. This was firstly done in 2013 when 12 substances where added to the former 33 priority substances (and substance groups). Among the priority substances of the WFD some are defined as priority hazardous substances, which should be “phased out”, i.e. all discharges, emissions and losses must be ceased[2].

Art. 7 of the WFD is targeted at protecting human health. If the drinking water standard is exceeded at the tap and water was taken from surface waters, specific measures need to be taken for the affected water bodies to guarantee compliance with the drinking water standard. This approach updated the drinking water standard for pesticides and biocides, set in 1980.

Previous comments

  • sommelin (Linda Sommer) 26 Sep 2018 11:27:59

    DE-UBA IV2.2:

    It should mentioned that no EQS values available for pharmaceuticals although they are relevant for a good status in surface water. Pharmaceuticals are very often measured in surface water and often show high toxicity.

  • gratiemm (Emmanuelle Gratia) 01 Oct 2018 10:10:26

    This was firstly done in 2013 when 12 substances where added to the former 33 priority substances (and substance groups).

    Comment Belgium (Wallonia): add “(EU, 2013b)” after this sentence (it is the reference for 2013/39/EU directive).

You cannot post comments to this consultation because you are not authenticated. Please log in.