Enhancing Hygiene Standards for Drinking Water: New Regulations

On January 23, 2024, the EU Commission adopted minimum hygiene standards for materials and products that come into contact with drinking water. This move, outlined in three Implementing Decisions and three Delegated Regulations, marks a comprehensive effort to establish a robust framework for ensuring the safety of water intended for human consumption.

The new hygiene standards, which are set to be published in the EU's Official Journal after a two-month scrutiny period, will come into effect on December 31, 2026. They are designed to apply to materials and products utilized in new installations or during the renovation or repair of existing ones. This includes components such as supply pipes, valves, pumps, water meters, fittings, and taps.

The primary objectives of these standards are twofold: preventing microbial growth and minimizing the risk of harmful substances leaching into drinking water. By doing so, the regulations aim to enhance the safety and quality of water consumed by the public.

The regulations are also set to streamline processes for companies involved in the production of materials and products related to water distribution. Compliance with these standards will earn products an EU declaration of conformity and a specific EU marking, allowing them to be freely sold across the EU without concerns about public health or environmental safety.

Implementing Decisions and Delegated Regulations