30/11/10
Water companies invest heavily in the removal of phosphates and have welcomed the European Commission decision to ban their use in laundry detergents.
Excessive discharges of phosphorus into water courses result in eutrophication, causing an accelerated growth of algae and higher forms of plant life that upsets the natural balance of organisms present in the water.
The main sources of phosphorous are excessive use of agriculture fertilizers and discharges from wastewater treatment plants that receive detergents in sewage.
Water companies invest heavily to meet conditions of their environmental permits and welcome the Commission's proposal, which will considerably reduce the cost of this activity to customers.
European Commission proposes to ban phosphates in laundry detergents
EU press release
