The Water Resilience Strategy due to be presented on 4 June is likely to contain many positive elements, according to a leaked version. The document rightly prioritises nature-based solutions and calls for a whole-society approach towards increased water efficiency. EurEau also fully subscribes to efforts stimulating innovation and digitalisation, strengthening governance, investment and skills development. As most measures are non-legislative, their real impact remains to be seen.

On the other hand, it is shocking to see that the Commission wants to shift the burden of ubiquitous PFAS pollution to the water services sector by favouring ‘clean-up’ measures. While drinking water suppliers remain committed to protecting public health, only a prompt and far-reaching PFAS ban including for PFAS pesticides and fluorinated gases, can protect public health. According to Dutch figures, between 73% and 94% of human PFAS intake originates from sources others than drinking water. Furthermore, only a very small share of the overall water cycles passes through drinking water or wastewater treatment. Wide-spread soil pollution remains completely unaddressed.

According to the Forever Pollution project, decontaminating Europe will cost up to €100 billion per year if PFAS are not banned quickly. Focusing on remediation instead of control-at-source will therefore negatively affect Europe’s competitiveness and resilience.