WRITTEN QUESTION E-0996/01

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(30 March 2001)

Subject: Failure to comply with water-quality standards in Valencia (Spain)

The Valencia Regional Government's water authorities are currently being investigated by the Commission on account of their response to the outbreak of legionella which was detected in the town of Alcoy and their inadequate management of such important rivers as the Segura and the Belcaire. In the Valencia region, however, there has been a string of cases of poor water management, such as the one involving the town of La Vila Joisa, where drinking water is supplied to the Montiboli Hills residential area by means of a rusty metallic storage tank with pipes made of PVC (the use of which is banned for the purpose of supplying drinking water). A number of dead animals (rodents and snakes) have been found in the storage tank on account of the fact that the latter cannot be hermetically sealed, and instead of fitting a proper cover the local authorities have opted to place loose bricks in the water outlet. It is quite obvious, therefore, that the people to whom this so-called drinking water is supplied are exposed to a genuine health risk.

Directive 80/778/EC(1) relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption, has been supplemented and extended by Directive 98/83/EC(2), for which the transposition deadline has recently expired and which:

- requires the Member States to ensure that water for human consumption is wholesome and clean and that it is free from any micro-organisms and parasites and any substances which constitute a potential danger to human health;

- requires immediate remedial action to be taken where there is any risk of non-compliance with the parametric values;

- requires regular monitoring of water quality to be carried out;

- requires appropriate information and advice to be given to consumers;

- provides for restrictions to or interruption of the water supply if the latter constitutes a potential threat to human health.

Does the Commission not consider that, in the case of La Vila Joisa, Directive 80/778/EC is once again being infringed in the Valencia region?

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980, p. 11.

(2) OJ L 45, 19.2.1999, p. 55.

Answer given by Ms Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(21 May 2001)

The Commission was not aware of the situation referred to by the Honourable Member.

The Community legislation which could be applicable in this case is Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption(1).

It should be noted that Directive 80/778/EEC will be replaced by Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998(2). The time limit for the transposition of this Directive expired on 25 December 2000. The provisions of the new Directive must be applied by the Member States by 25 December 2003 at the latest.

Both these Directives oblige the Member States to take the necessary measures to ensure that the quality of water intended for human consumption meets the requirements laid down therein.

The Commission has asked the Spanish authorities to comment on the situation reported by the Honourable Member in her written question, in order to ensure that the relevant Community legislation is observed in this instance.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.

(2) OJ L 330, 5.12.1998.