MEPS PRESS FOR AN END TO CONTAMINATED WATER IN EUROPE

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 19th Jun 2008

Thirty-three pollutants likely to be found in rivers, lakes and coastal waters must be reduced or phased out completely depending on the level of risk involved, MEPs have said.

The step has been taken to help ensure the survival of natural ecosystems, reduce the risk of harm to humans, help the environment by reducing pollution levels, and finalises the EU Water Framework Directive first proposed in 2000.

By 2018 Member States will have to reduce pollution from 'priority substances' and phase out pollution from 'priority hazardous substances' to achieve good surface water chemical status. Environmental quality standards have been proposed to set the maximum allowable concentrations for these 33 pollutants, 13 of which -including cadmium and mercury have already been identified as 'priority hazardous substances'.

Fiona who voted in favour of new water quality regulations said: "Water quality legislation has been very much needed to standardise practice throughout the EU. Heavy metals in water are a hidden health hazard. Whether at home or on holiday elsewhere in Europe, no-one should be put at risk from contact with contaminated water."