EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 78/457

(2004/C 78 E/0484)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3062/03

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(17 October 2003)

Subject: Improving water networks

This summer's weather conditions demonstrated the great importance of water, as much for people as for agriculture and production in general. The drought suffered by many parts of Europe drew sudden attention to the catastrophic consequences our countries would face in the event of the phenomenon occurring again. One of the most worrying aspects to have emerged from the crisis was the wastage of water brought about by the poor state of the existing canal and river networks. Networks used in agriculture and production and those that provide drinking-water all need to be modernised, which, in some cases, particularly as far as drinking water is concerned, may require the complete replacement of pipes, some of which are still made of lead and will therefore be prohibited on health grounds from 2013 by an EU directive. The total cost of replacing these ancient pipes in France is estimated to be around EUR 18 000 million; in Italy, the situation is not much different. Nevertheless, the current state of the networks exacerbates water wastage, estimated at between 15 and 40 %.

1. Does the Commission not think it advisable to draw Member States' attention to the need for projects to improve or renovate pipes and water networks?

2. Does the Commission not feel it would be useful to propose a plan to modernise water networks along the same lines as the plan to modernise motorway networks?

3. Does the Commission not consider it necessary to put forward a water-saving programme, given that water is a vital and irreplaceable asset for both individuals and society as a whole?

4. Does the Commission not feel it advisable to draft a general water directive, setting objectives, timetables and funding for the modernisation of water networks?

5. Can the Commission provide information on any projects currently in preparation?

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(3 December 2003)

The Commission shares the opinion by the Honourable Member that design, construction and maintenance of water distribution networks present both environmental and economic challenges. This is true in terms of the material used (e.g. lead pipes leading to elevated levels of lead in drinking water), but also leaking and resulting loss of water entailing costs and waste of resources.

The Union has addressed this issue:

— on the one hand by environmental legislation such as the Water Framework Directive (1) and the Drinking Water Directive (2);

— on the other hand, bearing in mind the EC Treaty principle (3) that Member States have to finance environmental policy by Community funding mechanisms supporting efforts for improving water distribution networks.

By the Water Framework Directive the Union has recently restructured and expanded its water protection policy, with an obligation to achieve good quality (‘good status’) for all waters by 2015, and provide one coherent managerial frame for the implementation of all water-related Community legislation. This environmental objective and deadline are complemented by mandatory preparatory steps, such as first analysis of pressures and impacts by December 2004, and establishing the necessary measures within a river basin management plan by December 2009. These environmental objectives will be underpinned by charges related to water-related services (such as the provision of water or the collection and treatment of waste water) which reflect the costs entailed, thus also providing an economic incentive for the wise and sustainable use of water resources.

It will be the task of Member States and their regions to identify within this iterative process those areas, installations and distribution networks which contribute to the loss of water, and develop in a transparent process the necessary remediation measures.

In order to ensure a targeted implementation, Commission, Member States, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and stakeholders (including the European umbrella organisation of water suppliers) are committed to a comprehensive implementation strategy for the Directive, exchanging information, jointly developing guidance for implementation and making best use of available resources.

The Drinking Water Directive referred to by the Honourable Member sets quality standards for drinking water at the tap, including standards for lead. In the case of public drinking water distribution networks with lead piping, this entails the need to replace lead piping by better suited material.

Community funding instruments such as the Cohesion Fund, the ISPA Fund and the Structural Funds have been providing financial support for the necessary planning and reconstruction efforts. Further, Rural Development, the second pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy, provides opportunities e.g. for water-saving irrigation techniques and other sustainable water uses.

(1) 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.

(2) Council Directive 98/83/EC of 3 November 1998 on the quality of water intended for human consumption, OJ L 330, 5.12.1998.

(3) Article 175(4) of the EC Treaty.