British Water Members' Handbook 2017 2017 Edition | Page 48

AQUA EUROPA
Benefi ts of Membership
Aqua Europa (AE) is a European level association of
national trade bodies, accredited by the European
Commission (EC) to represent industry on issues
relating to the supply chain of the water industry. As a
membership organisation, it off ers fi ve key benefi ts:
1. AE provides relevant information to its members on
an agreed list of “subjects of interest” in an easily
understood form. This can provide early warning
of issues arising at a European level and advice on
progress in specifi c areas of policy.
2. Through its membership meetings and task groups,
AE provides a forum for the identifi cation and
discussion of legitimate matters of broad concern
and interest. This widens understanding and can
lead to concerted action, where required.
3. AE is recognised by the EC and CEN as an
international representative body. As such, it
provides a platform, for use by its members, which
is more readily accepted in Brussels than national
associations acting alone.
4. With established relationships in the EC and CEN,
AE can provide access to decision-makers and
European institutions for a range of legitimate
purposes. AE has been asked to present industry
views on new regulations and directives early in
the process of drafting. It also seeks redress on
selected subjects when things go wrong.
5. As a broad representative organisation, AE seeks to
provide leadership on selected topics of particular
interest to its member associations, including the
avoidance of new barriers to trade, harmonised
standards for materials in contact with drinking
water, the biocidal products regulations and
political factors aff ecting trade.
Recent examples of projects where Aqua Europa has
taken an active role are as follows:
1. French Installation Guidelines for Small Sewage
Treatment Plants – lobbying in Brussels to secure
an informed review of national standards that
presented possible new barriers to trade.
2. Water Treatment Chemicals in Hot Water
Systems – support for consultancy input to
a national technical committee where local
consider