Water for human consumption

There is also Directive 98/83/EC on the quality of water intended for human consumption^ Its objective is to protect human health from the adverse effects of any contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring that it is wholesome and clean. In order to qualify as wholesome and clean, the water must be free from any micro-organisms and parasites and from any substances which, in numbers or concentrations, constitute a potential danger to human health. It must also meet certain minimum requirements set out in an Annex. The Member States are furthermore required to set quality standards for water intended for human consumption in accordance with parameters set out in the same Annex.

Flood risks

Water is not only a resource that needs to be protected; it can also be the cause of much damage. This latter aspect of water is the focus of Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks, which establishes a framework for the assessment and management of flood risks, aiming at reduction of the adverse consequences for human health, the environment, cultural heritage, and economic activity associated with floods in the EUA⁶ Member States are to undertake a preliminary flood risk assessment and identify those areas for which they conclude that potential significant flood risks exist or might be considered likely to occur. Based on hazard maps and flood risk maps, flood risk management plans must be established. It is emphasised that measures to reduce flood risks need to be coordinated throughout a river basin if they are to be effective.