European Commission, Press release, Brussels, 10 July 2014:
The European Commission is opening infringement proceedings against Italy for its failure to ensure that water intended for human consumption meets European standards. Water contamination from arsenic and fluoride is a long-standing problem in Italy, and for the Latium Region in particular.
Under the Drinking Water Directive,
Member States have to monitor and test water used for human consumption
using 48 microbiological, chemical and indicator parameters. If high
levels of arsenic or other pollutants are found, Member States may
derogate from the thresholds established by the directive for a limited
period of time, provided there is no potential danger to human health,
and provided the supply for human consumption cannot be maintained by
any other reasonable means.
The Directive allows for a total
of three derogations, each limited to three years. Member States may
derogate twice and, in exceptional cases, they may apply to the
Commission for a third derogation. Italy has now derogated three times,
and no further derogations are possible.
The derogation period was
intended to allow for durable solutions to be found. More than one year
after the expiry of the third derogation, Italy however remains in
breach of the Directive.
Derogation decisions set strict conditions to safeguard human health. Italy was asked to ensure that wholesome supplies of water were available for consumption by infants and children up to the age of three. The
derogations were conditional on Italy supplying users with adequate
information on how to reduce the risks associated with the consumption
of the drinking water in question and, in particular, the risks
associated with the consumption of water by children. Italy was also
required to implement a plan of remedial actions and inform the
Commission on progress achieved.
The limit value for arsenic and
fluoride is still not respected in 37 water supply zones in Latium. On
the recommendation of Environment Commissioner Janez Potočnik, the
Commission is sending a letter of formal notice to Italy, the first
formal stage in infringement proceedings.
Background
The objective of the Drinking
Water Directive (Directive 98/83/EC of the Council of 3 November 1998
on the quality of water intended for human consumption - OJ
L 330 of 5.12.1998, p. 32) is to protect human health from the adverse
effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by
ensuring that it is wholesome and clean.
Arsenic is a naturally occurring
semi-metal element which is tasteless and odourless, and can enter
drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth. Elevated
levels in water can cause serious health problems, including skin
damage, circulatory problems, and an increased risk of cancer.
[europa.eu]
10/7/14
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