Articles 1 and 2 make clear the goal is wholesome and clean water as ‘intended for human consumption’, for instance in drinking, cooking, and for food.
Article 4 contains the general obligation for drinking water to be ‘wholesome and clean’ and (a) free from any micro-organisms and parasites dangerous to health, and comply with Annex I (microbiological and chemical parameters and those relating to radioactivity).
It also requires member states will take any other action needed in order to guarantee the healthiness and purity of water intended for human consumption.
It requires Member States to regularly report on the quality of drinking water to the European Commission and the public.
No EU country achieves full compliance with the directive, mainly because of the geological nature of its soil and agricultural activity.
[6] The Commission proposed to update the existing safety standards in line with latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) but also sets an obligation for EU countries to improve access to safe drinking water for all, and more specifically to vulnerable and marginalised groups.
[8] At local level, power charges make up between 30 and 50% of municipalities' bills, which are easily passed on to consumers who usually have no alternative suppliers.
[10] The Directive contains additional restrictions on the presence of potentially dangerous compounds in water meant for human consumption (polyfluoroalkyl substances and EDCs).