Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD)

The Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD) is a legislative proposal published in October 2022 that aimed to revise the current Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive that had been in force for more than 30 years.  

In line with the ambition of the “Zero Pollution” initiative, the revision aims to:

• Reduce pollution, energy use and greenhouse gas emissions
• Improve water quality by addressing remaining urban wastewater pollution and improve access to sanitation especially for the most vulnerable and marginalised
•  Ensure pathogens in wastewater are monitored at Member States level
• Ensure a more circular water sector. 

The revision introduces a new approach to the removal of micropollutants through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme.

Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) have to be created to set up EPR schemes and guarantee its financing and practical functioning. 

According to the European Commission’s impact assessment, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are responsible for the release of micropollutants in the aquatic environment and are required to financially contribute to the upgrade of wastewater treatment plants to quaternary treatment throughout Europe (Article 9). 

Member States will have until 2045 to upgrade the wastewater plants to quaternary treatment (Article 8). 

Related resources