Due to increasing cost-pressures and aging infrastructure as well as tightening regulation, the next few years may hold some challenges for water treatment plant operators. Overcoming these challenges requires fresh thinking and a long-term approach, focusing on Total Cost of Ownership instead of short-term optimization.
Through our presence and leading position in chemical water treatment in most of the European member states, we feel we have some valuable insight to offer both to our customers as well as the regulatory bodies.
In the position paper we are proposing six actions for cleaner water to the regulatory bodies working on the EU Directive:
- The requirements of the Directive must be implemented fully and equally in all member states.
- Emission limit values (especially phosphorus) in water discharges should be tightened.
- Digitalization can improve both the quality of monitoring and the cost-efficiency of water treatment.
- Emerging pollutants need to be included in the legislation.
- Pollution from storm-water overflows must be limited and discharges safely disinfected.
- Clearer guidance is needed on applying innovation and sustainability criteria in public procurement for water treatment.
