WRITTEN QUESTION P-1159/02

by María Sornosa Martínez (PSE) to the Commission

(16 April 2002)

Subject: Progress in the Commission's investigation into the outbreaks of legionnaires' disease in Alcoy (Valencia region, Spain)

In February 2001 the Commission informed the author of this question that, at her request, it had contacted the Spanish authorities in order to investigate the continuing outbreaks of legionnaires' disease in Alcoy (case No 2001/2048). According to the answer to question P-3913/00(1) the Commission acknowledged a possible infringement of Directive 80/778/EEC(2) on the quality of water intended for human consumption.

In reply to another question by the same Member, the Commission gave a further answer on 16 July 2001 (P-1937/01(3)) in which it stated that it had just received information from the Spanish authorities which the relevant departments were examining.

Can the Commission say what progress has been made in dealing with case No 2001/2048?

Can the Commission specify what was said in the answer from the Spanish authorities?

Is the Commission already in a position to determine whether there has been an infringement of Directive 80/778/EEC in Alcoy?

(1) OJ C 235 E, 21.8.2001, p. 34.

(2) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980, p. 11.

(3) OJ C 40 E, 14.2.2002, p. 144.

Answer given by Mrs Wallström on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2002)

Following Written Question P-3913/00 by the Honourable Member, the Commission opened an own-initiative case, registered as No 2001/2048, to check that the Spanish authorities were applying Community law properly in this particular instance.

As part of its examination of the case, the Commission sent the Spanish authorities a letter asking them to comment on the situation reported by the Honourable Member and on the application, in this particular instance, of Council Directive 80/778/EEC of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for human consumption(1).

The competent Commission departments have examined the response by the Spanish authorities. Following an analysis of the information supplied and of the accompanying reports, the Commission considers that the Spanish authorities have taken the appropriate steps to identify the root of the problem and its spread, and that the necessary measures have been taken to remedy the situation. Furthermore, protocols for monitoring the quality of water intended for human consumption have been put in place to avoid the repetition of such cases. Lastly, the proper procedures have been followed in providing information to the public.

The papers in the case show that the Spanish authorities have done all that is necessary to ensure that effective action is being taken to combat the outbreaks of legionnaires' disease in Alcoy. The analysis of this case does not point to any infringement of the Community laws in force. Consequently, the Commission has decided to drop the case.

(1) OJ L 229, 30.8.1980.