‘Brexit problem’: UK tap water safety at risk after testing labs shut down
‘Brexit problem’: UK tap water safety at risk after testing labs shut down
Exclusive: EU countries will share laboratory capacity but UK rules mean products cannot be tested abroad
cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/22913120
Summary
The UK’s tap water safety is at risk due to the closure of all domestic laboratories certified to test water treatment products under EU-derived Regulation 31.
Without certified labs, new products cannot be approved, and existing ones requiring retesting are becoming non-compliant.
Industry insiders blame Brexit, as EU countries will share lab capacity starting in 2026, while UK rules prohibit foreign testing.
This has created a backlog of products, limited market competition, and raised costs. While officials claim water remains safe, experts warn of delays in adopting innovative treatments.
The “sick man of Europe” once again.