Drinking Water Directive WHO study results

6.9.2017

Question for written answer P-005563-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Giovanni La Via (PPE)

On 10 December 2016, I tabled a parliamentary question (E-009146) concerning the limit on boron in mineral water, calling for Annex I to Directive 98/83/EC to be revised in the light of the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The Commission’s reply (E-009146/2016) stated that in December 2015 the Commission had launched a collaborative project of 18 months duration, with the WHO Regional Office for Europe (WHO Europe), in order to carry out an analysis as referred to in Article 11 of the directive. One of the substances covered by the analysis/assessment is boron. The study should have been completed in June 2017.

— Can the Commission supply the initial results of the analysis performed by WHO Europe?— On the basis of the results obtained, does the Commission consider it appropriate to raise the level of boron in drinking water?