Sélecteur de langues European Commission - Press release
Environment and Water: proposal to reduce water pollution risks
Brussels, 31 January 2012 - Improvements in water quality in the
EU could be at risk from new forms of chemical pollution. The
Commission is proposing to add 15 chemicals to the list of 33
pollutants that are monitored and controlled in EU surface
waters. This is another step towards improving the quality of
our river, lake and coastal waters. The 15 substances include
industrial chemicals as well as substances used in biocides,
pharmaceuticals and plant protection products. They have been
selected on the basis of scientific evidence that they may pose
a significant risk to health. Environment Commissioner Janez
Potočnik said: "Water pollution is one of the environmental
worries most frequently cited by EU citizens. I welcome this
advance as it is clearly answering people's expectations. These
15 additional chemicals need to be monitored and controlled to
ensure they don't pose a risk to th