Editorial note

Directive 91/271 of 21 May 1991, as amended, concerns the collection, treatment and discharge of urban waste water and waste water from certain industrial sectors (Article 1). All urban areas must be provided with collection systems for urban waste water by 31 December 2000 for those with a population equivalent (p.e.) of more than 15,000 and by 31 December 2005 for those with a p.e. of between 2,000 and 15,000 (Article 3(1)).

Urban waste water entering collecting systems is to be subject before discharge to secondary treatment (Article 4(1)). Discharges from sensitive areas are subject to even more stringent treatment (Article 5). Member States are required to make sure that urban waste water treatment plants built to comply with the Directive are designed, constructed and operated and maintained to ensure performance under all normal climatic circumstances (Article 10). Treated waste water is to be re-used where appropriate and disposal routes must minimise the adverse effects on the environment (Article 12). The Directive establishes monitoring and other basic implementation requirements (Articles 15–17).

Source: OJ L 135 30.05.1991 p. 40. Amended by: Commission Directive 98/15/EC of 27 February 1998 L 67 29 07.03.1998; Regulation (EC) No 1882/2003 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 September 2003 L 284 1 31.10.2003. Corrected by: Corrigendum, OJ L 139 02.06.1999 p. 34 (98/15/EC)

Council Directive 91/271/EEC of 21 May 1991 concerning urban waste water treatment (as amended)