New EurEau Report Reveals Europe’s Water Services Are Performing, But Future Resilience Is Under Pressure
New EurEau report shows Europe's water sector performs strongly despite mounting financial and environmental pressures (Image source: EurEau - European Water Services a.i.s.b.l.)
EurEau's new Europe's Water in Figures 2026 report shows that 97% of Europeans are connected to drinking water services and around 90% to wastewater collection and treatment, while households spend only around 1% of their income on water services.
However, maintaining this performance will require greater investment. As infrastructure ages and inflation erodes purchasing power at all levels of society, utilities must also tackle new challenges including PFAS pollution, climate change, rising energy costs and stricter treatment requirements.
"Europe's water services are performing exceptionally well, but maintaining this level of service requires long-term investment and effective pollution prevention policies," said EurEau Secretary General Oliver Loebel. "Every euro spent preventing pollution at source avoids much higher treatment costs later, helping to keep water affordable for citizens and local businesses."
The report also highlights progress in reducing water consumption and network losses, demonstrating the sector's commitment to efficiency and sustainability. But lower consumption also reduces utilities' revenues while fixed infrastructure costs remain.
The message is clear: Europe's water services are delivering today, but safeguarding tomorrow's resilience will require sustained investment, effective pollution prevention and the full implementation of the polluter pays principle.
Source: EurEau
