The project involves a comparative study of three EU member states -Germany, the Netherlands, and Great Britain - with special attention to the EU context. The role of the EU as a coordinating authority regulating the quality of drinking water supply receives special attention. Although the way in wich the EU is regulating in a direct way through drinking water standards is examined, the accent is put on alternative paths to direct regulation, like indirect regulation through sub-national actors, and the strengthening of the regulatory power of water supply authorities at the local level.