EU proposals to make water reuse easier and safer

The new rules will help farmers make the best use of non-potable wastewater, alleviating water scarcity whilst protecting the environment and consumers.

The Commission is proposing the following:

• Minimum requirements for the reuse of treated waste water from urban waste water treatment plants, covering microbiological elements such as levels of E.coli bacteria
• Risk management whereby any additional hazards must be addressed for water reuse to be safe.
• Increased transparency - the public will have access to information online about water reuse practice in their Member States.