EUROPEAN COMMISSION
DIRECTORATE-GENERAL
ENVIRONMENT
Directorate C –Zero Pollution, Water Resilience & Green Urban Transition
ENV.C.2 –Marine Environment & Clean Water Services
Brussels
ENV.C.2/BL
To the Members of the recast Drinking Water Directive Expert Group
Sent by email only
Subject: Support to Member States for their communication to the Commission
under Article 4(3) of the recast Drinking Water Directive – use of the
water leakage level template
Dear member of the Drinking Water Expert Group,
In line with Article 4(3) of the recast Drinking Water Directive 2020/2184, (hereafter
‘the Directive’) Member States shall ensure that an assessment of water leakage levels
within their territory and of the potential for improvements in water leakage reduction is
carried out using the infrastructural leakage index (ILI) rating method or another
appropriate method. That assessment shall take into account relevant public health,
environmental, technical and economic aspects and cover at least water suppliers
supplying at least 10 000 m³ per day or serving at least 50 000 people. The results of this
assessment shall be communicated to the Commission by 12 January 2026.
At the request of the members of the Drinking Water Expert Group, a “water leakage
level” subgroup was established end of 2024 to further develop members’ preferred
water leakage indicator. This subgroup developed a water leakage level (WLL) template
which was presented at the expert group on 12 June 2025. Following this meeting, a
majority of Member States informed the Commission services that they would use this
template for their communication to the Commission under Article 4(3) of the Directive.
To support Member States in their communication to the Commission and to harmonise
the assessment results, I would recommend that Member States’ competent authorities
use this template. In annex you can find the template presented at the expert group
meeting of 12 June 2025, which is also available on the Commission’s DWEG
CIRCABC platform.
I am aware that some Member States expressed some doubts on the interpretation of
some data requested in this template. To prevent misinterpretation of data provided, if
necessary, my colleagues can organise subsequent bilateral meetings with expert group
members.
By 2028, the Commission will adopt a delegated act setting out a threshold above which
Member States shall present an action plan. This delegated act will be defined using the
Commission européenne/Europese Commissie, 1049 Bruxelles/Brussel, BELGIQUE/BELGIË - Tel. +32 22991111
[email protected]
Member States’ assessments and the Union average leakage rate determined on the basis
of those assessments. The Commission will consult the expert group before adopting the
delegated act.
In line with Article 4(3) of the Directive, within two years of the adoption of this
delegated act, Member States having a leakage rate exceeding the threshold set out in the
delegated act must present an action plan to the Commission laying down a set of
measures to be taken in order to reduce their leakage rate.
Should you would have any questions about the use or interpretation of the data
requested in the template, please contact us via the functional mailbox ENV-
[email protected].
Thank you for your cooperation.
Yours sincerely,
(e-signed)
Paula DUARTE GASPAR
Head of Unit
Annex: Water leakage level template (.xls format)
c.c.:
[email protected];
[email protected]
2
Electronically signed on 29/10/2025 10:51 (UTC+01) in accordance with Article 11 of Commission Decision (EU) 2021/2121
Saatja: "Leena Albreht" <
[email protected]>
Saaja: "TA Info" <
[email protected]>
Teema: Ed: Ares(2025)9304746 - Support to Member States for their communication to the Commission under Article 4(3) of the recast Drinking Water Directive use of the water leakage level template
Kuupäev: 2025-10-30 11:02
Palun registreerida
Saatja:
[email protected] <
[email protected]>
Saatmisaeg: neljapäev, 30. oktoober 2025 11:11
Teema: Ares(2025)9304746 - Support to Member States for their communication
to the Commission under Article 4(3) of the recast Drinking Water Directive
use of the water leakage level template
Tähelepanu! Tegemist on väljastpoolt asutust saabunud kirjaga. Tundmatu
saatja korral palume linke ja faile mitte avada.
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well.
Please find attached the letter signed by Ms. Duarte Gaspar along with its
annex for your review and consideration.
Thank you and best regards,