Briefing for Event One: International water systems

Context 

Water is life. Without water life cannot exist. Access to water and sanitation are recognised by the United Nations as human rights – fundamental to everyone’s health, dignity and prosperity. Water is essential for humans and our ecosystem. 

In 2021, only 37% of Europe's surface water bodies achieved a good or high ecological status. 29% achieved a good chemical status. The Europe’s State of Water 2024 (p8) sets out “three overarching challenges future European water management: 

1. protecting and restoring aquatic ecosystems; 

2. achieving the zero pollution ambition; 

3. adapting to water scarcity, drought and flood risks.” 

As with the UK, European countries face demands that are likely to outstrip supply, are struggling with the impact of forever chemicals and microplastic pollution and the intensive use of nutrients and pesticides in agricultural production as well as over abstraction, and are experiencing increasing incidents of the extremes of flooding and drought. The objective to reach good ecological status across Europe by 2015 has not been reached with only 37% of surface water bodies achieving good or high ecological status and 29% good chemical status in 2021. In England only 16% had reached good or better in 2019. 

How the UK compares

The UK pays more for worse water quality in our rivers, lakes and seas than many European countries (EurEau 2021)

We have the 5th worst bathing quality outcomes in Europe behind most European countries including Albania, Romania, Greece and whilst paying some of the highest bills – with only Germany and Denmark paying more. The current crisis in the water sector in the UK especially England is seeing rising costs to consumers ( with bills in England scheduled to rise an average of 26% this year).

How are countries securing a water system fit for the future?

Most countries in the world have found that privatisation has been instrumental in countries’ difficulty in meeting these challenges, with private ownership linked to higher water prices and lower affordability, lack of infrastructure investments, and environmental hazards.  In the light of the failures of privatised systems there has been a wave of taking services back into public control – often referred to as remunicipalisation. In the Netherlands water privatisation is illegal, Prof David Hall’s presentation to MPs in 2024 sets out that ‘globally,  over 90% of countries have public sector water services with lower prices, efficient, cheaper finance, and democracy.” The global trend is away from privatisation (Lobina et al 2021) with France and the USA leading the way in re-municipalisation. 

Remunicipalisation in France “has led to efficiency savings and reduced water tariffs, high investment levels, improved access to water, interventions for the environment, and strong democratic governance” (Lobina et al p7)

“Remunicipalisation in Berlin has facilitated the implementation of price cuts imposed by a federal regulator and supported the City’s decision to enhance the realisation of the human right to water, although investment levels remain similar to those under privatisation. (p14) and Berlin has achieved a high level of wastewater treatment, with over 95% of the wastewater being effectively treated. 

Countries are addressing the challenges through innovations in three domains:

1. Water Conservation

2. Water Protection and Efficiency

3. Water Conscious Society with Active Public Participation 

With actions on:

• Efficient treatment (including for the emerging issues of forever chemicals) and efficient water use

• Rainwater harvesting

• Integrated green infrastructure and restoration

• Diversifying sources

• Smart water management

• Reducing water loss and increasing water storage

• Separating clean and dirty water

• Proactive stormwater management

• Collaborative planning for scarcity

• Reductions in per capita usage

• Preserving water sources

You can see examples of these in 10 Most Sustainable Cities: Leaders in Water Management Practices  May 22, 2023 Emanuel Gutman Gates

The governance of the water system is inextricably linked to both water sector performance and the resilience of the whole water system to adapt to the challenges of societal demands and climate change.