Clean surface water is the foundation for safe drinking water. In the European River Memorandum (ERM), more than 170 water companies from 18 European countries have joined forces to protect this source. The ERM emphasizes the importance of preventive source protection and sustainable water management, with the aim of safeguarding drinking water for current and future generations. The following is a summary of the core principles of this joint initiative.
In 2020, around 170 drinking water companies from 18 European countries drafted the European River Memorandum (ERM). These companies represent the interests of 188 million people living in the catchment areas of rivers such as the Rhine, Meuse, Scheldt, Danube, Elbe, and Ruhr.
The ERM emphasizes the importance of clean surface water for the supply of safe and affordable drinking water. It calls for the preventive protection of water sources, enabling drinking water production through natural purification methods.
Key points from the ERM include:
The ERM also includes target values for water quality, which serve as minimum standards for sustainable drinking water supply.
Through this joint effort, the water companies aim to ensure clean and safe drinking water—now and for generations to come.
The European River Memorandum is available in four languages: it can be downloaded in German, English, Dutch, and French.
