European Parliament: adoption of new measures to reduce water pollution, including "forever chemicals"

The European Parliament has adopted new measures aimed at reducing groundwater and surface waters pollution and improving EU water quality standards, at second reading, during a plenary session on 26/03/2026.

This decision is following the deal reached on 23/09/2025 between the co-legislators and the text formally adopted by Council, on 17/02/2026.

The text amends the Water framework directive, the Groundwater directive and the directive on environmental quality standards. It will update the list of pollutants affecting surface water and groundwater, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals and PFAS.

The Parliament specifies that "several pollutants already included will now be subject to tighter environmental quality standards. The new measures also put a stronger focus on substances of emerging concern, such as microplastics and antimicrobial resistance indicators".

According to rapporteur Javi López (E&D), "it is a decisive step towards cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and the protection of human health across the Union".

The law will now be signed by both co-legislators, ahead of…