Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.

EUobserver is proud to have an editorial partnership with Europod to co-publish the podcast series “Briefed” hosted by Léa Marchal. The podcast is available on all major platforms.

Find the full transcript below:

Tap water appears to be declining in quality over time.

Medical professionals in France are highlighting issues with drinking water polluted by pesticides, PFAS, and tiny plastic particles.

Simultaneously, the European Commission is looking at relaxing certain water standards to facilitate mining developments.

What links drinking water to mining activities? What future awaits our tap water quality?

Pollution from chemicals in water poses a significant health risk that is frequently underestimated.

This is the warning issued by French physicians to authorities on June 1.

They claim existing rules fall short in safeguarding the public.

For instance, microplastics lack any set maximum threshold in potable water, despite evidence of possible health risks.

PFAS, known as forever chemicals, face regulation across the EU.

These enduring substances rank among the most troubling.

From early 2026, EU nations must limit tap water to 100 nanograms per liter of PFAS.

However, this covers only 20 specific compounds that can be measured.

Thousands more PFAS variants escape regular checks.

Should regulations be updated?

French doctors advocate precisely for this.

They recommend three key steps: broaden monitored substances, cut PFAS and plastic output at origin, and enhance filtration.

Such steps would lower exposure substantially.

What is the EU's stance?

The EU aims to safeguard health in theory.

Yet complexities arise.

Industries across Europe have voiced concerns over heavy regulations recently.

Mining specifically claims the Water Framework Directive hinders progress.

This law establishes PFAS limits and influences project approvals to avoid harming water bodies.

Mining can contaminate groundwater.

Meanwhile, securing critical materials is vital for the EU.

For green shift involving renewables and EVs, and reducing reliance on China, materials like lithium are essential.

So priority: water purity or local battery output?

The Commission sees compatibility.

It plans a focused update to the directive to ease mining while upholding goals.

But feasibility?

Likely, permitting will relax somewhat for effect.

Perhaps shifting from strict prevention to approvals with mitigation plans.

The draft remains unpublished.

Public input suggests heated discussion ahead.

Over 2000 responses received, many opposing any dilution of protections.

Meanwhile, advanced filters can help personally.

Cutting plastic use addresses the root.