The Drinking Water Seminar brought together scientists, researchers, government institutions, NGOs and private-sector representatives from the 25 Member States. The five key issues debated were chemical parameters, microbiological parameters, endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), the risk approach to drinking water, and materials and substances in contact with drinking water. Input to the seminar came from reports prepared by the WEKNOW network (Web-based European Knowledge Network On Water), the Fraunhofer Institute, the WHO and the EAS (European Acceptance Scheme). Europublic was entirely responsible for the planning, management and staffing of the seminar. 

The Seminar was based on preparatory work by a number of selected European experts. These experts worked in five preparatory groups and were responsible for the production of position papers on identified subjects. The position papers, which were distributed to all participants and featured on a special website, were then discussed during the seminar in one-day panel sessions on the same five themes. After these thematic panel sessions, the combined outcome of the position papers and the resultant discussions were presented and debated in a one-day plenary meeting.