Some of the measures already taken are reducing the energy consumption for heating, treatment, distribution and collecting of water, improving energy efficiency and the generation of energy through waste water components.

There are, nevertheless, limits to these improvements, including local constraints and finding the right balance between environmental objectives, economic feasibility and water services affordability. National regulatory frameworks, investment cycles and some technical aspects may still slow down the movement towards a low energy sector.

We need support from policy makers to better address the challenges we face through establishing an enabling regulatory framework, support for developing financial instruments alongside the unambiguous implementation of the Control at Source Principle to avoid new treatment requirements that consume energy.

Our briefing note is here. It includes examples from EurEau members on how they are implementing solutions.