Water policy: quality of bathing water

The objective of this Communication is to launch an open consultation exercise with all interested parties and stakeholders concerning a new Bathing Water Directive - a new Directive that will ensure at least the same environment and health protection as the current Directive but at the same time will take into account new approaches and new science and technologies. The objective of the consultation is to learn how we can improve our bathing water legislation and its implementation. The consultation exercise will culminate in a Bathing Water Conference during Green Week (24-28 April 2001), to which all individuals and institutions who have responded to this Communication will be invited. All comments and suggestions made during the consultation exercise (either in writing or during the Conference) will be taken into account by the Commission and decision under the co-decision procedure. The Commission does not attempt to provide all of the details of the future Directive but merely to outline its Skeleton. This Communication therefore highlights the strengths and difficulties of bathing water quality managment and presents possible approaches for the new Directive, building upon experience in this area.�