In future, all citizens shall be granted access to high-quality drinking water in public spaces. A corresponding draft law was approved by the Federal Cabinet. Through this draft of the Second Act to amend the Water Resources Act, the Federal Government implements a number of individual provisions of the so-called EU Drinking Water Directive. The directive provides that making tap water available in public places through drinking fountains is part of the general service task.  

An important step to address heat events in urban areas

The draft law provides that municipalities shall install drinking fountains in places such as parks, pedestrian areas and shopping malls in future, as long as this is technically feasible and in line with local requirements. 

This is an important step, particularly in view of future heat events in urban areas. At the same time, resources can be preserved due to a reduced consumption of bottled water.

The draft law establishes the necessary legal basis for adopting an ordinance for implementing further provisions. These apply to the implementation of the provisions of the Drinking Water Directive with regard to risk assessment and risk management of the catchment areas of extraction sites for drinking water production.

Parts of the EU Drinking Water Directive have already been transposed into German law. The remaining provisions are to be implemented separately by amending the Infection Protection Act and the Drinking Water Directive. The Act requires approval by the Bundesrat.