theguardian.com
EU Strengthens Sewage Rules; UK Falls Behind
The EU updates its sewage treatment rules, while the UK lags behind, causing concerns over water pollution and public health.
English
United Kingdom
Climate ChangeUkEuropeEnvironmentRegulationPollutionWater
Ieep UkEuropean Anglers AllianceEuropean Parliament
Ben ReynoldsTiemo WölkenMark Owen
- What actions is the EU taking to improve sewage treatment?
- The EU is updating its urban wastewater treatment directive to strengthen rules on sewage and chemical pollution, requiring upgrades to sewage systems by 2035. This includes tertiary treatment for all large plants and stricter quarternary treatment for certain centers to remove micropollutants.
- How does the UK's approach to sewage regulation compare to the EU's?
- The UK, still using the 1991 directive, lags behind the EU in sewage regulation. UK water companies have failed to update infrastructure adequately, leading to record sewage spills, while the EU implements more stringent standards.
- What specific pollutants are targeted in the new EU directive, and why?
- The new EU directive targets phosphorus and nitrate pollution, which cause excess nutrients in rivers, leading to algae growth and harming aquatic life. Tertiary treatment is mandated for all large plants to remove these pollutants.
- How does the EU directive address human health concerns related to water pollution?
- The EU's updated rules also address human health risks from micropollutants in wastewater by requiring quarternary treatment for certain plants. This removes pollutants from industrial chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics and ensures bathing water safety assessments.
- What are the differing approaches to cost allocation for upgrading sewage infrastructure in the EU and UK?
- While the EU pushes infrastructure costs onto polluters like cosmetics and pharmaceutical companies, the UK's privatization of water companies is seen as a key factor in its failure to meet stricter standards and address pollution issues effectively.