WRITTEN QUESTION E-1128/02

by Erik Meijer (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(22 April 2002)

Subject: Obstacles to the provision of drinking water in the Netherlands as a result of the increasing chemical pollution of the Rhine

1. Is the Commission aware that, in general, on the basis of agreements between the Rhine riparian states, the water in the lower reaches of the Rhine, which in the past was strongly contaminated with waste products from the German and Swiss chemical industries and French potash mines, has since 1995, again been suitable for immediate transport via pipelines to sedimentation and purification basins or to dune areas where drinking water is produced for Amsterdam, Rotterdam and other large towns in the western Netherlands?

2. Is it also aware that since 1998 the supply of water to these purification plants has often had to be suspended as a result of serious levels of chemical pollution, for example, between 12 November and 22 December 2001 and between 4 and 24 January 2002 in response to high levels of the pesticides isoproturon and chlorotoluron, prompting an investigation into the consequences by the Ministry of Transport and Water Management, which has responsibility for surface water in the Netherlands?

3. What is causing the increasing levels of pollution and where does this pollution come from? Does it reflect the return or increasing levels of existing pollutants, or new sources of pollution not covered by the agreements currently in force?

4. In the Commission's view, are these levels of pollution the result of breaches of existing agreements between the Rhine riparian states, which can also be dealt with on the basis of those agreements, or are new agreements required if a solution is to be found?

5. What measures does the Commission plan to take to help put a stop, as soon as possible, to the ongoing or renewed instances of pollution of the water in the Rhine, which, despite the thorough purification methods now used, make that water unfit for human consumption?

Source: Spits of 4 April 2002.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(3 June 2002)

The Commission is representing the Union in the International Convention of the river Rhine and is thus fully involved in its activities. The Commission is also aware of the improvement in water quality through the publications of RIWA (water companies using the river Rhine for the production of drinking water) and through returns submitted by the Member States in the frame of the implementation of various legislation on water. The improvement in the quality of the river Rhine results in the possibility to use the water for the abstraction of drinking water and in the return of the salmon. The co-operation initiated under the convention is also aiming at monitoring the water quality and an early warning system is in place in case of accidental pollution.

The Commission is aware of the incidents reported by the Honourable Member. The contamination has been apparent since 1994 and is often thought to be caused by increased levels of pesticides. The contamination originated from the upstream catchment area and is likely to be caused by diffuse discharges from agricultural sources. One of the objectives set by the Riparian countries is the reduction of pesticides; according to the available data (from the Convention), considerable reduction has been achieved but further efforts need to be done. Regulation of discharges of pesticides and effects on surface water are covered by existing agreements between Member States and can be dealt with within these agreements. Also pesticides are regulated through the Council Directive 91/414/EEC of 15 July 1991 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the markets(1), Directive 98/8/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 16 February 1998 concerning the placing of biocidal products on the market(2), and Council Directive 75/440/EEC of 16 June 1975 concerning the quality required of surface water intended for the abstraction of drinking water in the Member States(3). In the case of non-compliance this is likely to be due to failing national legislation or regulation and control within the Member States (where discharges take place).

The Water Framework Directive(4) constitutes a comprehensive new water legislation with the obligation to get, by 2015, all waters to good quality (good status). Transboundary co- operation will be mandatory to establish the necessary measures at river basin level. In parallel, at Union level, measures will be taken to address particularly dangerous substances and pesticides in particular. The Parliament and the Council have adopted in November 2001 a list of priority substances(5). For these substances, standards for emissions and water quality will be set and certain substances will be phased out.

The Commission is of the view that the existing agreement on the Rhine and the implementation of the Water Framework Directive in close co-operation with all Riparian states will ensure achieving the environmental objectives in the river Rhine both as regards ecology and its use for the abstraction of drinking water.

(1) OJ L 230, 19.8.1991.

(2) OJ L 123, 24.4.1998.

(3) OJ L 194, 25.7.1975.

(4) 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, OJ L 327, 22.12.2000.

(5) Decision No 2455/2001/EC of the Parliament and of the Council of 20 November 2001 establishing the list of priority substances in the field of water policy and amending Directive 2000/60/EC, OJ L 331, 15.12.2001.