For a Green, Circular & Smart Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

Water Europe releases New Position Paper

Water Europe is proud to launch its new position paper ''For a Green, Circular & Smart Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive". Water Europe welcomes the conclusion of the European Commission to update the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) in line with the Green Deal and the digitalisation of Europe and makes available a list of recommendations that can pave the way to achieving a Water-Smart Society.

The Urban Waste-Water Treatment Directive (UWWTD) has set an international reference case in the global effort in wastewater management. The revision must master the complexity of the topic by signing up for a resource-oriented approach and an energy-driven one. A well-designed UWWTD must consider circular economy, digital water, and new technological developments. This holistic perspective is the key driver for energy-performance, resource recovery and water reuse. Which are our five key recommendations? 1. A holistic management of wastewater treatment plants must be considered for water and energy savings, particularly through the exploitation of the Value in Water; 2. Specific measures are needed to address contaminants of emerging concern and antimicrobial resistance; 3. Digitisation needs to be encouraged to a much higher extent; 4. A better legal framework should be incorporated for better storm and small agglomeration water management; 5. A water-friendly legislation needs to be built by and for European citizens.

For a Green, Circular & Smart Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive