EU water pollution rules "could be pricey"

British water firms could face costs of over UK£1bn (€1.5bn) for the UK to implement a draft EU directive controlling 33 priority chemical pollutants under the water framework directive, the country’s environment ministry has warned.  Other industries could also be saddled with significant, though much lower, costs, according to an impact assessment.  The ministry is consulting with stakeholders on the rules, which have still to be finalised in Brussels (EED 19/07/06).  See press release, consultation and initial impact assessment.