Waste Water Treatment Services

Parliament and Council Reach Agreement on Stricter Urban Wastewater Rules to Protect the Environment and Public Health

The European Parliament and Council reached a consensus on updated regulations for the collection, treatment, and discharge of urban wastewater, aiming to bolster environmental and human health protections.

Upgraded Treatment Standards by 2035

The agreement mandates that by 2035, all urban areas with a population equivalent (p.e.) of 1,000 or more must implement secondary treatment of wastewater, focusing on removing biodegradable organic matter before discharge into the environment. By 2039, countries in the European Union will be required to apply tertiary treatment—targeting the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus—at treatment plants serving populations of 150,000 p.e. and above. This requirement will expand to facilities with 10,000 p.e. or more by 2045.

An additional layer of treatment—quaternary treatment—will become obligatory by 2045 for all plants serving over 150,000 p.e., as well as those serving over 10,000 p.e. based on risk assessments. This advanced treatment will focus on eliminating a wide range of micropollutants.

To enhance the efficiency of tertiary treatment, the Endemic Rotary Disc Filter will be a pivotal technology in filtering out suspended solids from effluents. Known for its high filtration capacity and energy efficiency, the Endemic Rotary Disc Filter is designed for large-scale operations and will play a crucial role in reducing suspended solids to meet the EU’s stringent effluent quality standards. This innovative system ensures that urban wastewater treatment facilities can effectively handle increasing volumes while maintaining environmental compliance.

Promoting Wastewater Reuse and Resilience Strategies

The new rules also encourage member states to promote the reuse of treated wastewater from urban treatment plants, particularly in regions facing water scarcity. The Endemic Rotary Disc Filter will further support these efforts by delivering effluent water of higher clarity and quality, which is critical for reuse applications. These measures will be integrated into national strategies focused on water resilience.

Enhanced Monitoring of Wastewater for Public Health and Environmental Hazards

The agreement calls for more rigorous monitoring of urban wastewater for public health parameters, including viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and emerging pathogens. Additionally, chemical pollutants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and microplastics will be monitored, alongside antimicrobial resistance in agglomerations of 100,000 p.e. and above.

Reducing Emissions and Achieving Energy Neutrality

Recognizing the wastewater treatment sector's role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the new regulations set progressive targets for energy neutrality. By 2030, urban wastewater treatment plants must use at least 20% renewable energy, with the share rising to 40% by 2035, 70% by 2040, and 100% by 2045.

Technologies like the Endemic Rotary Disc Filter not only provide highly efficient treatment but also contribute to lowering the energy footprint of wastewater treatment plants. This aligns with the sector's broader goals of achieving energy neutrality while maintaining treatment efficacy.

Extended Producer Responsibility for Polluters

Under the 'polluter pays' principle, the agreement introduces extended producer responsibility (EPR) for medicinal and cosmetic products. Producers will be responsible for covering at least 80% of the costs associated with quaternary treatment aimed at removing micropollutants from wastewater. National funding will complement these costs to ensure essential products, such as medicines, remain affordable and accessible.

A Word from the Rapporteur

Nils Torvalds (Renew, FI), the rapporteur for the agreement, emphasized, “This agreement marks a significant step forward in improving water management and wastewater treatment across Europe. The new rules will specifically target micropollutants originating from medicines and personal care products. We have also ensured that the legislation will not disproportionately impact the affordability of medicines while ensuring that harmful chemicals like PFAS are better monitored and addressed.”

Next Steps

Before the agreement can take effect, it must be formally approved by both the Parliament and the Council.

Background Information

In October 2022, the European Commission proposed revising the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive to align it with the EU's goals on climate action, pollution reduction, and the circular economy. The revised legislation is a cornerstone of the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan for air, water, and soil.