Briefing Note on Drinking Water Supply and Leakage Management

Effective asset management of water supply infrastructure and management of water losses from the distribution system are critical parts of the water suppliers’ role.

An agreed EU framework for calculating a water balance is a critical first step in leakage management under the 2020 Drinking Water Directive. Leakage reduction is a tool for addressing water scarcity in many parts of Europe, cuts Greenhouse Gas emissions and resource use. The water sector is committed to reducing these to enhance sustainability.