Addressing water scarcity and droughts in the EU

KEY POINTS

• For water scarcity and drought problems to be remedied, certain issues need to be addressed. These include:
  • the need to fully implement the water framework directive so as to address mismanagement of water resources;
  • inefficient national water-pricing policies;
  • land-use planning;
  • promoting water-saving measures; and
  • the need to act in an integrated and scientific manner.
• EU countries must set the right price for water, using an efficient water-pricing policy.
• Water allocation and water-related funding must be more efficient to limit adverse effects in river basins. Special measures should be taken in particular to implement the strategic environmental assessment directive.
• Improving drought risk management can be achieved if EU countries develop drought risk management plans where necessary, and if they exchange good practices and methodologies at EU level. The EU Solidarity Fund and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism can help to ensure that EU countries receive appropriate aid without delay.
• To help reduce leakages and wastage, the European Commission recommends, for example, that standards be developed for water-using devices alongside specific legislation for non-energy-using products that use water (e.g. taps, shower heads, toilets).
• Consumers and economic operators should also be involved so as to foster the emergence of a water-saving culture.
• Improved knowledge and data collection are integral to decision-making. An information system on water scarcity and drought throughout Europe should be integrated in the water information system for Europe (WISE).
• Based on information from the EU countries and its own work, the Commission prepared annual follow-up reports (2008-2010) that assessed the implementation of policy options throughout the EU.
• A subsequent 2012 document, ‘A blueprint to safeguard Europe's water resources’ includes a policy review for water scarcity and droughts. This states that the objective to reverse water scarcity and drought trends has not been achieved.