Water framework directive

Cefic’s position

We consider that the existing measures already taken to protect surface waters from pollution, such as the Water Directive, REACH & Industrial Emissions Directive have proven to be effective. On top of that,  smart regulatory cooperation is needed. As a next step in securing clean waters, we need to look beyond single directives. Only a holistic view of the regulations, encompassing all the sectors can ensure safe management of EU water resources. We are committed to working with the European Commission, the European Environment Agency and other EU institutions to find the industrial synergies and to enhance horizontal water regulation.

 Advancing sustainable water management

For the chemical industry, water is one of the most precious resources and a key raw material. It is used for heating or cooling of products and equipment, in distillation, but also as part of preparation of solvents and other substances. As a large and experienced user of water, our sector fully acknowledges the precious nature of our waters. Therefore, the chemical industry is committed to advancing sustainable management of water. Furthermore, growing concerns on water scarcity and water quality have increasingly highlighted sustainable water management as a strategic issue for chemical companies. Besides being a water user on its own, our sector is also an important solution provider of innovative products, technologies and services that enable more sustainable water management in chemical and other related process industry sectors.

Background

Although water covers 70% of the planet, less than 1% is available for people to use as fresh water. To ensure waters are well protected at EU level, 20 years ago the Commission adopted its most comprehensive instrument of water policy, the Water Framework Directive (WFD). Currently the Commission is doing a fitness check on the WFD. It is not a legislative proposal but a stock-taking exercise.