29.9.2023
EN
Official Journal of the European Union
C 349/23
3.4.
Measures to stimulate water-efficient consumption must look at the full water cycle and cover both qualitative and quantitative aspects.
They should not only look at drinking water abstraction/consumption, but should also include the benefits of circular water (water reuse) and develop the understanding that water is also embodied in products and services consumed.
This will help private households to understand better the impact of their consumption choices on the quality and quantity of water resources in their region, country and worldwide.
It will also help citizens to develop a culture of awareness regarding all aspects of their individual water consumption patterns — both domestic and non-domestic — and to be aware of how to make their consumption efficient.
The role of civil society organisations is vital in helping them choose and implement strategies for increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of their consumption. 3.5.
While water-efficient consumption is a necessity in all parts of Europe, the urgency is greater in areas suffering from water scarcity or more frequent drought events.
The efficiency of the water supply system should be included in the overall strategy with a view to ensuring a holistic approach.
Possible solutions should also be found in more forward-looking strategies of water suppliers, including supply system risk assessment and risk management, leakage management, alternative water sources, etc. 3.6.
Although theory suggests using a plethora of other indicator parameters, (the theme of water is very suitable for this); it should be considered that not only the search for additional data, but also their validation and their dissemination involve significant work.
These further activities fall within the remit of the European central structures, but also of the Member States and their respective agencies or operating companies that search for and produce such data.
It is not always the case that adding an extra violin in an already large orchestra will necessarily improve the quality of the music.
Therefore, rather than adding new indicators, it is better to make the best possible use of the existing ones.
Brussels, 12 July 2023.
The President of the European Economic and Social Committee Oliver RÖPKE