On November 5, 2024, the European Council took significant steps toward improving urban wastewater management across the European Union by adopting new regulations as part of the revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. This welcomed update extends coverage to smaller urban areas, addresses more pollutants, and sets ambitious targets aimed at achieving energy neutrality.
The revised directive changes the game for wastewater treatment, mandatorily including all urban areas above 1,000 population equivalents. Previously, the threshold was set at 2,000, which meant many smaller agglomerations were not held to the same treatment standards. Now, the Council requires improvements by 2035, ensuring these smaller communities will have the necessary collection systems for wastewater, thereby reducing the discharge of untreated wastewater back to the environment.
With these new regulations, authorities are aiming to tackle the pressing issue of pollution. Between 2025 and 2035, all domestic wastewater sources within these areas will need to be connected to the new systems. This is particularly important as previous gaps have made it easier for untreated waste to overflow directly back to rivers or oceans, posing serious ecological risks.
The directive specifies not only the need for infrastructure improvements but also mandates the removal of biodegradable organic matter from wastewater (known as secondary treatment) before it can be released back to nature. For larger treatment facilities, particularly those with operations serving more than 150,000 population equivalents, the directive introduces even stricter standards. By 2039, these facilities must incorporate tertiary treatments to eliminate nitrogen and phosphorus, which are key contributors to water pollution. Looking even farther to 2045, they will need to implement quaternary treatment to tackle micropollutants, which stem largely from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
This new approach closely follows the principle of the 'polluter pays.' Manufacturers of these pollutants will be financially responsible for 80% of the extra costs related to quaternary treatment, ushering in what’s known as the extended producer responsibility (EPR) scheme. This change aims to make producers accountable for the environmental impact of their products throughout their lifecycle.
Aside from improving water quality, the update also emphasizes the role of energy sustainability within wastewater treatment plants. The directive aims for energy neutrality, meaning by 2045, facilities handling more than 10,000 population equivalents must derive all their energy from renewable sources generated within their systems. This ambitious target reflects the EU’s broader climate goals and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Council’s approval marks the end of the legislative road for these changes. The directive will soon be officially published, entering force 20 days after its publication. EU member states will have until the end of the 31-month transition period to adapt their national laws accordingly.
The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive has been around since 1991 and has played a significant role over the past three decades, effectively reducing water pollution. An assessment done by the European Commission back in 2019 found its benefits compelling, but it also highlighted the urgency for updates. There was still room for improvement, particularly with smaller urban agglomerations and the broad range of micropollutants affecting aquatic ecosystems.
The proposal for this revised directive was first submitted back on October 26, 2022, with negotiations between EU member states constructing its final structure by January 29, 2024. This final adoption showcases the collective movement toward more stringent environmental policies and the EU's commitment to combat pollution.
With the increasing importance placed on sustainability, it’s clear these updates are not only timely; they're necessary. The EU aims to take bold steps to reflect its dedication to protecting the environment for future generations.
