Directive (EU) 2020/2184 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

Article 7 U.K. Risk-based approach to water safety

1. Member States shall ensure that the supply, treatment and distribution of water intended for human consumption is subject to a risk-based approach that covers the whole supply chain from the catchment area, abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water to the point of compliance specified in Article 6.

The risk-based approach shall entail the following elements:

(a) risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas for abstraction points of water intended for human consumption in accordance with Article 8;

(b) risk assessment and risk management for each supply system that includes the abstraction, treatment, storage and distribution of water intended for human consumption to the point of supply carried out by the water suppliers in accordance with Article 9; and

(c) risk assessment of the domestic distribution systems in accordance with Article 10.

2. Member States may adapt the implementation of the risk-based approach, without compromising the objective of this Directive concerning the quality of water intended for human consumption and the health of consumers, when there are particular constraints due to geographical circumstances such as remoteness or limited accessibility of the water supply zone.

3. Member States shall ensure that there is a clear and appropriate distribution of responsibilities between stakeholders, as defined by the Member States, for the implementation of the risk-based approach. Such distribution of responsibilities shall be tailored to their institutional and legal framework.

4. The risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas for abstraction points of water intended for human consumption shall be carried out for the first time by 12 July 2027. That risk assessment and risk management shall be reviewed at regular intervals of no longer than six years, taking account of the requirements provided for in Article 7 of Directive 2000/60/EC, and updated where necessary.

5. The risk assessment and risk management of the supply system shall be carried out for the first time by 12 January 2029. That risk assessment and risk management shall be reviewed at regular intervals of no longer than six years, and updated where necessary.

6. The risk assessment of the domestic distribution systems shall be carried out for the first time by 12 January 2029. That risk assessment shall be reviewed every six years, and updated where necessary.

7. The deadlines specified in paragraphs 4, 5 and 6 shall not prevent Member States from ensuring that measures are taken as soon as possible once risks are identified and assessed.