Why Is the EU Consulting on Changing the  Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive UWWTD?

The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) was first drafted and introduced in 1991. Given that it is now over 30 years old, the EU is planning to introduce a number of changes to the legislation aimed at addressing inadequacies in the original document and updating it so that it is fit for purpose in a modern world.

In order to achieve those aims, the EU is currently holding a public consultation period, during which technical experts, industry stakeholders and members of the general public are being invited to give their views on the subject. The feedback received from this consultation will contribute towards an impact assessment on the UWWTD, which itself will inform any changes introduced to the Directive.

Why are the EU holding a public consultation?

In December 2019, the EU evaluated the existing UWWTD through a comprehensive literature review on the topic. Although they found that some objectives had been impressively achieved – such as the minimisation of nitrogen and phosphorous levels in bodies of water – they also discovered several shortcomings. As such, the document is going to be updated – but not without the input of those whom it will affect.

With that in mind, the EU is conducting a public consultation to invite your views, ideas and opinions on how it can be amended to address the aforementioned inadequacies. The public consultation period is also intended to unearth other issues that may have developed over the last three decades and find solutions to them, thereby making it fit for purpose going forwards.

Who is being asked to participate?

The public consultation is open to all EU citizens. While some individuals might be more interested and invested in the Directive than others – especially those working within the urban wastewater treatment industry or technological professionals with intimate knowledge of the sector – the EU wishes to hear the views of everyone who is affected by the issue.

As a result, the majority of the survey does not require expert knowledge on how urban wastewater is treated in the EU. However, section IV of the survey is dedicated exclusively to those with more in-depth awareness of the issues at play and is aimed at companies, local authorities and water associations involved in the project. This section also invites insight on novel methods for monitoring wastewater from the wastewater network and across the sewage treatment plant to aid optimisation so as to more closely align the UWWTD with other EU objectives and initiatives.

How can I get involved?

If you want to make your voice heard and have an impact on shaping how urban wastewater in the EU will be handled going forwards, all that’s required is to visit the UWWTD website and follow the links to the public consultation survey. After answering questions about your own demographics, you’ll then be invited to share views on various aspects of urban wastewater management.

The public consultation first opened on 28^th April 2021 and will run for 12 weeks until 21^st July 2021. It’s imperative that as many companies, municipal bodies and private citizens as possible get involved and air their opinions so as to inform the revised version of the UWWTD as comprehensively as it can be. Get involved today!