Legislation and Regulations
Wastewater Pollution : Origins, typology and regulatory framework

The EU’s policy on wastewater treatment is governed by Directive 2024/3019/EU, adopted on November 27, 2024. It replaces Directive 91/271/EEC on urban wastewater treatment, which had been in effect for over 30 years. Its main objective is to improve the protection of the environment and public health. It establishes new rules for the collection, treatment, and discharge of wastewater, expanding its scope to include small municipalities, which must now comply with specific standards. In addition, the directive addresses the management of new pollutants, particularly micropollutants, by encouraging the use of tertiary treatment for those originating from pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, though it does not provide an exhaustive list. These changes aim to ensure more sustainable and effective wastewater management in Europe.

The European Union also establishes harmonized rules to protect the aquatic...