[The new EU Drinking Water Directive]

After more than two years of negotiations, the new EU Drinking Water Directive is due to be published in mid-December 2020. Quite a few new provisions will be introduced, such as new chemical and physical parameters, the mandatory implementation of a risk assessment on three levels, minimum hygiene requirements for materials in contact with drinking water or access to drinking water for all. The resulting extension of responsibilities compared to the current Directive poses challenges for many Member States. Following intensive discussions at European level, these have to continue now at national level.