OUR EVERYDAY WATER

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Looking after water

We need water on a daily basis. Ensuring the sufficient provision of quality drinking water by paying special attention to the development of integrated management models that allow the sustainable supply of resources is a priority aspect of water policies throughout Europe.

One of the priority measures aimed at achieving this end is the modernisation of distribution infrastructures, by making them more efficient. But supply and treatment are two sides of the same issue: if we need water, water needs to be treated.

The European Union pioneered the introduction of urban and industrial waste water treatment legislation. The Urban Waste-water Treatment Directive from 1991 (and later regulations) requires waste water from all urban settlements to undergo primary and secondary treatment processes, based on population and geographical situation. A number of "most sensitive areas" are also specified for special protection and measures have been introduced for situations where the same resources are shared by different countries.

This directive, together with the requirements of the Frame Directive, is a focus point for the improvement of treatment installations throughout the entire Union. Compliance by new member states and the updating of systems by current member states is the great challenge for future years.

Citizen awareness

Great infrastructure projects require an essential element - citizen awareness. As long as European citizens adopt consumption reduction strategies, with a view to avoid wasting water, we will be contributing to the protection of water resources.

Renewable Energy Directive

Additionally, the EU has approved a Directive aimed at Promoting Renewable Energies. It will come into force in 2010 and aims at reducing greenhouse gases by 20% by the year 2020. Consequently, Europe will be taking a giant step towards sustainability and reduced dependence on fossil fuels, taking on a leading position worldwide against climate change.

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