Press Release: Commission takes action to combat surface water pollution from dangerous substances

Europe's rivers, lakes and coastal waters, as well as human health, will be better protected against pollution from a range of dangerous substances under new legislation proposed on 18 July 2006 by the European Commission. The proposed Directive will set limits on concentrations in surface waters of 41 types of pesticides, heavy metals and other dangerous chemical substances that pose a particular risk to animal and plant life in the aquatic environment and to human health. These limits will have to be met by 2015. The proposal will contribute to the Commission's Better Regulation initiative by replacing five older directives, allowing their repeal.