During the plenary session (22-25/10/2018) of the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate and vote on plans to improve consumers’ trust in drinking water from the tap by tightening the maximum limits for certain pollutants. They also propose setting up free water fountains where feasible and providing tap water for free, or for a low service fee, in restaurants, canteens and catering services. Statements by Michel DANTIN (EPP, FR), Rapporteur, and Karmenu VELLA, Member of the EC in charge of Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.The results are: 300 in favor, 98 against and 274 abstention. Illustrative shots: small local river in Beligum, woman drinking tap water, drinking water site in France including the pumping station.

Strasbourg

debate

plenary session

vote

right to water (T)

DANTIN, Michel (EPP, FR)

consumers' protection (T)

water policy (T)

drinking water

Quality of water intended for human consumption: extracts from the vote on the report by Michel DANTIN (EPP, FR) and extracts from the debate (22/10) and illustration shots

SOUNDBITE (French), Michel DANTIN (EPP, FR), Rapporteur, Almost 20 years after entering into force the revision of the directive on drinking waters is necessary to align the parameters to progress and science. And to take into account emerging substances. I think that we adopted in the ENVI committee a coherent report which takes into account the demands made of suppliers in the Member States and the local authorities.

SOUNDBITE (English), Karmenu VELLA, Member of the EC in charge of Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, On some issues political opinions differ, such as the question on how best to ensure access to water and the issue of the strictness of health standards. These questions are crucial for European citizens and the solutions we propose will bring positive change to their daily life.

Vote on Quality of water intended for human consumption, report by Michel DANTIN (EPP,FR) (9 shots)

Final results: 672 voting 300 in favor 98 against 274 abstention

Illustrative shots: small local river in Beligum, woman drinking tap water, drinking water site in France including the pumping station, (12 shots)