Bisphenol A, nonylphenol and PFAS are included in the directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption

Edited on 03/18/2021
Summary: 
By 12 January 2026, Member States shall take the measures necessary to ensure that water intended for human consumption complies with the established thresholds for bisphenol A and PFAS. Nonylphenol is included in the watch list of the directive.
News text: 

The European directive 2020/2184 results from the recast of the previous directive relating to water intended for human consumption: the directive 98/83/CE which will be definitively repealed on January 13, 2023.

This new directive requires Member States to take the necessary measures (by 12/01/2026 at the latest) to ensure that water intended for human consumption respects the thresholds of:

- 2.5µg/l for bisphenol A,

- 0.5 µg/l for the parameter "Total PFAS "1

- 0.1 µg/l for the parameter "Sum PFAS "2

In order to respond to growing concerns about some substances (including nonylphenol), the text also provides for the creation of a watch list including a guidance value for each substance or compound. Where a substance or compound on the watch list is detected at concentrations above the guidance values, Member States shall ensure that certain measures are taken, for example: preventive measures, mitigation or monitoring measures in catchment areas for sampling points, measures to require water suppliers to check whether treatment is adequate to achieve the guidance value or, if necessary, to improve treatment...

The watch list is currently under development, and will be established by January 12, 2022.

“Total PFAS”: Totality of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances

“Sum of PFAS”: sum of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances considered a concern as regards water intended for human consumption

For additional information: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2020/2184/oj