Photo source: Southern Water
Despite the fact the Urban Waste Water Directive (UWWD) was supposed to have been implemented by 2000 it is still driving major investment across Europe. In the UK virtually all schemes are now complete except London. The UWWD is one of the factors forcing the investment in the Thames Tideway Tunnel.
There are similar very major schemes in Europe especially a huge scheme in central Paris as well as schemes in Italy and Spain.
Despite the current harsh economic climate there is continuing pressure from the EU to enforce current legislation, with both Belgium and Luxembourg subject to fines. The EU is also seeking to foster integration of water and other policies especially the common agricultural policy. Consultation is currently open on several directives that could have significant financial impacts.
Topically the EU is talking about a European standard on drought management and water efficiency. This could help to drive European wide standards for water saving equipment and fittings, which could be useful. Although the UK stance will be that it prefers to manage drought issues not the EU.
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