WGIN signs joint statement on the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

WGIN signs joint statement on the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive

Aerial view of rooftop garden in urban residential area. ID: 1361273999

22 January 2024 – With the interinstitutional negotiations on the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) in full speed, WGIN joined forces with 18 organisations to call upon co-legislators to adopt an ambitious recast of the directive.

The signatories, non-profit association, businesses and business associations underlined the opportunity that represents the revision of this 30-year-old legislation to adapt it to modern water challenges. In particular, the letter stresses that many technical advances, such as green infrastructure solutions, have not yet been mainstreamed for the reduction of wastewater treatment needs.

Therefore, the signatories call for, among others, “Ensuring a timely introduction of integrated urban wastewater management plans that prioritise green and blue infrastructure to climate-proof cities and reduce pollution from urban wastewaters and runoffs”.

The letter comes ahead of the next trilogue meeting on the UWWTD, planned for the 29 January, which is expected to significantly progress negotiations on the revised directive.

Read the full letter here.

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