The major cause of water leakage is the ageing pipe system. Even in a country like Hungary, which has modernized its system in recent years, more than 10 per cent is over 50 years old. Apart from their economic cost, ageing pipes also have a direct effect on health. In the United Kingdom, for instance, part of the pipe system is still made of lead. This lead contaminates tap water to such a degree that the country is not in a position to meet WHO water quality guidelines.
Leaks also create underground ponds, where bacteria flourish around the pipes.
Whenever there is a drop in pressure in the pipes, this polluted water enters the supply system and contaminates drinking water. It is impossible to detect this contamination, as all water quality control occurs at the production level. These cuts further erode the water quality in the supply system. In all, some 120 million Europeans still do not have access to safe drinking water. And although the consequences of poor water management are mostly felt at the local or provincial levels, water pollution and water shortage have had a transboundary impact too.