The new EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive: what utilities must plan for

The recast Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Directive (EU) 2024/3019, replaces the 1991 rules and entered into force on 1 January 2025. It raises the bar for almost every treatment plant in the Union.

Secondary treatment is extended to smaller agglomerations from 1,000 population equivalents. Nutrient removal (tertiary treatment) becomes mandatory for large plants by 2039. Large plants must also add a fourth treatment stage to remove micropollutants such as pharmaceutical and cosmetic residues by 2045, starting with plants above 150,000 population equivalents.

Two further features matter for budgets. Producers of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics must cover at least 80 percent of the cost of quaternary treatment under extended producer responsibility, and the sector is expected to reach energy neutrality by 2045. Water reuse is encouraged wherever water is scarce.

For many plants the practical answer is a compact upgrade: membrane bioreactors that combine biological treatment with hollow-fibre membranes, followed by polishing steps. Davey Products designs these plants and Theway Membranes supplies the MBR and UF modules, delivered in the EU through VDT Europa.

Talk to us

European buyers can contact the Davey Group through VDT Europa OÜ in Tallinn, Estonia. Ask an expert at contact@vdteuropa.com, or send tender documents to tenders@vdteuropa.com.