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(2004/C 70 E/055)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-1610/03

by Joan Colom i Naval (PSE) to the Commission

(7 May 2003)

Subject:   Conductivity and an ecologically sound rate of flow in the case of the Ebro diversion proposed under the Spanish National Water Resources Plan

In its reply of 28 March 2003 to this Member's Written Question E-0509/03 (1) on water quality and the Spanish National Water Resources Plan, the Commission acknowledged the conductivity problems affecting the waters of the lower Ebro but it took the view that the recommended maximum salinity levels would not be exceeded under the plan submitted by the Spanish Government. This assertion has been rebutted by a number of scientists and experts who have studied the last few years' average conductivity levels for the stretch of river in question and have concluded that there is no guarantee that the 1 000 microSiemens per centimetre level can be maintained. This would mean that if the river is indeed diverted the recipient river basins will be required to use poor-quality water rendered expensive by the cost of making it drinkable.

In addition to the question of conductivity, the proposal for the diversion of the Ebro does nothing to settle the issue of the minimum rate of flow required in order to maintain a healthy environment — this being a matter of contention for all the social, political and ecological players concerned, including the Catalan Regional Government. Under the Spanish National Water Resources Plan it has been decided that preserving the environment in the Ebro Delta will require a flow rate of 100 m3/second (equivalent to approximately 3 100 hm3/year), together with a Comprehensive Delta Protection Plan which has yet to be drawn up. For its part the Catalan Government is proposing to increase the suggested flow rate to 135 m3/second (4 200 hm3/year) — an improvement on the proposal contained in the original National Water Resources Plan but still not sufficient to protect the biodiversity of the Delta and its environment (2).

If the diversion is carried out on the basis of a 100-135 m3/second flow rate, this will swiftly lead to a reduction in the volume of water which can be diverted and to a greater need for regulation in the Ebro river basin — facts which will undoubtedly have an impact on the price ultimately charged for the diverted water (higher depreciation and operating costs).

What data has the Commission used as a basis for asserting that the water conductivity levels will not under any circumstances exceed the limits laid down in Directives 75/440 (3) and 98/83 (4)? Given the high salinity level of the Ebro's waters, does the Commission consider such permissive practices to be compatible with the framework directive on water?

Can the Commission state categorically that, under the plans for the Ebro diversion as they currently stand (including the target rate of flow), the cost of water will be lower than it would be under the alternative schemes which the Spanish Government is not considering (desalination, re-use)?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(13 June 2003)

As stated in the answer to the previous question E-509/03 on this issue submitted by the Honourable Member, Council Directive 98/83 EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption identifies conductivity as an indicator parameter with a value of 2 500 microSiemens per centimetre. If monitoring programmes identify that this parameter has been exceeded, Member States shall consider whether non-compliance poses any risk to human health. In addition, Council Directive 75/440/EEC if 16 June 1975, concerning the quality of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States, sets down a guide value of 1 000 microSiemens per centimetre which Member states shall endeavour to respect.

As also indicated in the answer to the above-mentioned previous question, the current conductivity measured in the lower Ebro is around 1000 microSiemens per centimetre. In this context, it should be remembered that the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 23 October 2000 establishing a framework for Community action in the field of water policy (5)), imposes a requirement to achieve good chemical status in waters by 2015. Therefore, for reasons of conformity with the Water Framework Directive, the conductivity of the water in the lower Ebro cannot be allowed to increase significantly.

It is possible with the increased projections for irrigation use in the delta river basin that this could exert an upward pressure on the conductivity in the lower Ebro. However, there is no a priori reason to assume that the proposed transfer of water from the river Ebro, will result in non-compliance with Community water legislation as to the issue of water conductivity.

With regard to the issue of cost, there is no Community legislation or policy, which would expressly require the Spanish Authorities to select the option which provides water at the lowest cost. It is, therefore, inappropriate for the Commission to comment on this issue.

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(1)OJ C 242 E, 9.10.2003, p. 140.

(2)  For its research the Commission has used data drawn up by the ecologist Narcís Prat, according to which a flow rate of 350 hm3 will be needed in order to accommodate factors such as climate change.

(3)OJ L 194, 25.7.1975, p. 26.

(4)OJ L 330, 5.12.1998, p. 32.

(5)OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

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