Updated EU Drinking Water Regulations 2026

Fitz Scientific
2 days ago
2 min read

Update comes into effect from January 2026

The European Union, through its revised Drinking Water Directive, has introduced stricter quality standards on drinking water. From January 2026 there is a requirement to test for a number of additional parameters in drinking water supplies including PFAS, Haloacetic Acids and Bisphenol A, while the watchlist of substances of concern includes Beta Estradiol and Nonylphenol.

The revised regulations introduce stronger protections for public health by updating the minimum standards for drinking water quality. They require more frequent testing and monitoring of microbiological, chemical and indicator parameters, while also reducing the maximum values for certain parameters to ensure cleaner and safer water.

Fitz Scientific are experts in the provision of analysis to meet the requirements of the Drinking Water Directive.

Additional parameters that will require monitoring include:

PFAS / PFOA
Haloacetic Acids
Microcystin-LR
Bisphenol A
Chlorate
Chlorite
Acrylamide
Epichlorohydrin
Vinyl Chloride
Beta Estradiol
Nonylphenol

This Drinking Water Directive applies to:

All distribution systems serving more than 50 people or supplying more than 10 cubic meter per day, but also distribution systems serving less than 50 people/supplying less than 10 cubic meter per day if the water is supplied as part of an economic activity.
Drinking water from tankers.
Drinking water in bottles or containers.
Water used in the food-processing industry, unless the competent national authorities are satisfied that the quality of the water cannot affect the wholesomeness of the foodstuff in its finished form.

More information on the Directive and its changes can be found here: https://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-drink/legislation_en.html

The regulations have been adopted in Ireland as legislation: S.I. No. 99/2023 - European Union (Drinking Water) Regulations 2023

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