Name

The Revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (2025) – Key innovations and public health considerations

Speakers

Dr Brett Brewin

Authors

Brett Brewin, IDEXX Laboratories Inc., UK

Description

This presentation will provide an in-depth overview of the newly revised Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD), which officially entered into force on 1 January 2025. Member States are now required to transpose the directive into national law by June 2027. The revision introduces significant updates to wastewater management, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection, public health, and pollution control.

Among the most impactful changes is the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, reinforcing the principle that those responsible for pollution should contribute to its mitigation. Additionally, the directive mandates quaternary treatment for wastewater treatment plants serving agglomerations above 100,000 inhabitants, addressing PFAS removal and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) monitoring—key emerging contaminants of concern.

Furthermore, the directive introduces two critical articles focused on public health:

    •    Article 17 establishes surveillance measures to monitor public health risks linked to wastewater.
    •    Article 18 sets quality criteria for receiving waters, integrating both microbiological and chemical parameters. In particular, for wastewater discharged into bathing water bodies, a risk assessment must be conducted, ensuring compliance with E. coli and Enterococci thresholds under bathing water quality standards.

While further guidance from Member States and the European Commission is expected regarding the implementation of these requirements, this presentation will focus on the specific criteria for different receiving water bodies and outline a forecastable risk assessment framework, identifying key minimum parameters and microbiological standards necessary for compliance.

Time

5:05 PM - 5:30 PM

Location Name

Room 2

Track

14:55 - 17:30 Changing Perspectives