Emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical residues, pesticides and even PFAS are coming under intense scrutiny in Europe, laying the foundation for a booming market for advanced treatment technologies. Regulation of emerging contaminants is expected in an update to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, due for adoption by the European Commission in early 2022, while the revised Drinking Water Directive – adopted in 2021 – includes limit values for PFAS and endocrine disruptors.

As the regulatory picture continues to develop, some regions of Europe are pressing forward with wastewater treatment projects targeting micropollutants. First-mover Switzerland is rolling out a €1 billion programme to upgrade WWTPs with fourth-stage treatment until 2035, while there has been a growing pipeline of projects in Sweden and Germany. A focus on reducing pollution at source means industrial users must also be part of the solution. GWI is convening a multi-stakeholder meeting to assess the emerging contaminants regulatory landscape and the treatment solutions required to secure the quality of Europe’s waters.