Our Vision
Building a Water-Smart Society
In our journey towards building a Water-Smart Society, Water Europe’s vision emphasizes the ‘Value of Water’. This vision is a call to action for policymakers, researchers, technology developers, innovators, and all stakeholders engaged in water management. We aim to inspire collaborative efforts in creating a society that is water secure, sustainable, and resilient.
Our focus extends to addressing global societal challenges and fostering the development of innovative solutions in the global water market, all while ensuring the human right to water in terms of availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and quality.
What is a Water-Smart Society?
- A society in which the value of water is recognised and realised to ensure water security, sustainability, and resilience.
- All available water sources are managed so that water scarcity and pollution are avoided.
- Water and resource loops are largely closed to foster a circular economy and optimal resource efficiency.
- The water system is resilient against the impact of climate and demographic change.
- All relevant stakeholders are engaged in guaranteeing sustainable water governance.
Value of Water
To build a Water-Smart Society, Water Europe has developed a vision with 3 key objectives:
- Water Security
- Water Sustainability
- Water Resilience
Our Model
Water Europe’s model for a Water-Smart Society is a harmonious blend of one core value, three key objectives, and five innovation concepts, all intricately interwoven. This model creates a synergistic ‘flying wheel’ effect, propelling us towards achieving a Water-Smart Society. It emphasizes the crucial interplay between our core value and the strategic objectives of water security, sustainability, and resilience, all underpinned by innovative concepts in circular water, resilient infrastructure, multiple water uses, inclusive governance, and digital water management. This comprehensive approach is our blueprint for a future where water is valued and sustainably managed.
Innovation concepts
Innovation is the cornerstone of our approach to a Water-Smart Society. Water Europe’s five key innovation concepts – circular water, resilient infrastructure, multiple waters use, inclusive governance, and digital management – are the building blocks of our transformative vision.
Circular Water
Our approach redefines how we use water, focusing on mining the value in water and maximizing circularity to ensure every drop is fully utilized.
Multiple Waters
By tapping into a variety of water sources, including rainwater, groundwater, surface water and recycled water, we’re building a more adaptable and sustainable water ecosystem.
Digital Water
Our management of water is being revolutionized by technology, enabling real-time tracking and data-driven decisions for optimal use of water.
Inclusive Water
Our aim is to engage all voices in the water community for sustainable governance. By valuing everyone’s input, we seek to create a cooperative atmosphere in which we shape Europe’s water future together.
Resilient Water
Our goal is to craft water infrastructures that are both durable and adaptable, integrating grey and green solutions ready to withstand floods and water scarcity exacerbated by climate change and maintain the functionality of the water system.
Water Vision 2024
With the collective insights of our members and key stakeholders, Water Europe introduces an updated Vision document that charts a strategic course towards a Water-Smart Society by 2030. This document not only envisions a society that thrives on sustainable water management and climate resilience but also aligns with Europe’s green and digital transformation goals. Download the document and dive into a future where the value of water is recognised and preserved for generations to come.
Watch our vision on YouTube
Let’s build a Water-Smart Society together
Join Water Europe to collaborate, innovate, and address water challenges! Be part of the solution and shape the future of water.
Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe to our newsletter and get informed about the news, events and activities of Water Europe.