HOLINGER takes the following position on the proposed amendment to the Waters Protection Act (WPA) regarding groundwater protection and the enhancement of wastewater treatment performance, as well as on the partial revision of the Waters Protection Ordinance (WPO).
The Federal Council has proposed a package of measures to improve drinking water and overall water quality, with the aim of strengthening the protection of drinking water resources, groundwater, lakes and rivers. To this end, it is proposing amendments to the Waters Protection Act and the Waters Protection Ordinance. The consultation procedures for both revisions were opened on 26 November 2025.
The revision of the Waters Protection Act and the Waters Protection Ordinance concerns a key area of activity for HOLINGER. As an independent engineering company with proven expertise in water and environmental protection, we work daily with issues relating to water quality, drinking water protection and the impact of regulatory frameworks on aquatic ecosystems.
Setting limits for wastewater discharges and pesticides in water bodies is a key instrument for protecting water resources. Because these issues are implemented in our project work and their effects are experienced in practice, we see it as our professional responsibility to contribute our knowledge and experience to the political discussion.
For this reason, HOLINGER AG is providing its comments on the current revisions.
Statement on the Waters Protection Act
Increasing the treatment performance of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) will help protect aquatic ecosystems and strengthen the protection of drinking water resources. HOLINGER therefore welcomes the proposed amendments to the Act. The measures will benefit both water bodies and the climate, particularly through a significant reduction in nitrous oxide emissions. In addition, almost 2,000 kilometres of watercourses currently affected by pharmaceutical residues will be substantially relieved, and the safety of drinking water abstraction will be improved. However, HOLINGER calls for a faster implementation of the measures.
Statement on the Waters Protection Ordinance
New limit values must ensure the protection of aquatic ecosystems, including fish and their food sources. HOLINGER welcomes the proposed limits and calls for additional limit values to be established for three further toxic pesticides, including deltamethrin. This would enable the cantons to implement targeted and effective reduction measures.
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