Water scarcity and droughts Draft policy orientations for future action Meeting of EU Water Directors 17-19 June 2007, Dresden

of water scarcity and droughts Current situation of water scarcity and droughts  A worldwide problem – all European Union not spared anymore  Water scarcity and drought : two different issues  Need to fully consider expected impacts of climate change IPPC report of 6 April 2007: 1.1 to 3.2 billion people affected by water scarcity if temperatures rise by 2 to 3°C. By 2050: expected decrease by 10-30% of average river runoff and water availability over some regions Areas affected by droughts will increase

Current situation of water scarcity and droughts  Similarities between water issues and energy issues Adoption by Commission on 10 January 2007 of an energy and climate package Approach also valid for water: move towards a water efficient and saving economy Water and energy agendas are intertwined. Saving water also means saving energy.  Just like energy, a wide range of policy options needs to be considered for water.

Challenges  Progress towards full implementation of the WFD  Address ineffective water pricing policies  Improve land-use planning and address inadequate water allocation between economic sectors  Water saving must become the priority: huge potential, EU wastes at least 20% of its water, needs to respect a clear water hierarchy  Further integrate water concerns into sectoral policies  Fill knowledge gaps and ensure data comparability

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

 Combine effective water pricing with metering A. Putting the right price tag on water  Combine effective water pricing with metering Have water tariffs consistent with article 9 of the WFD and implement ‘user pays’ principle Wide spread compulsory metering of water: condition to effective water pricing  Financing water efficiency Need to consider reinforcing EU funds to address water quantity issues but also ensure efficient use of EU funds by MS Consider new prerequisites on water management before allocating support to new water supply Develop incentives for the promotion of water efficient devices

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

 Economic development can lead to adverse effects on water : B. Allocating water more efficiently  Economic development can lead to adverse effects on water : unsustainable land-use planning - impacts of tourism, irrigated crops and biofuel on water scarce river basins  In the agricultural sector, consider options including full decoupling for crop supports, cross-compliance, assessment of biofuel impacts on water availability  Ensure stringent implementation of SEA Directive  Set-up appropriate regulations to restore a sustainable water balance in water scarce river basins

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

 Drought management plans (DMP) C. Improving drought risk management  Drought management plans (DMP) Move from crisis to risk management with WFD flexibility Identify methodologies for drought thresholds and mapping, develop recommendations at EU level  Early warning system on droughts Develop a prototype, set up modalities for operational EU drought observatory  Optimise use of EU Solidarity Fund  Optimise use of EU Mechanism for Civil Protection

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

 Need to respect a water hierarchy to guide policy-making D. Increasing water supply The very last option  Need to respect a water hierarchy to guide policy-making  Need to fully implement EU legislation, in particular the WFD  Ensure all adverse effects are taken into account in the environmental impact assessment  Possibility to consider alternative technologies based on further work on risk assessment

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

E. Fostering water performance technologies and practices  Significant potential of water saving in buildings, private and public networks  Include water-using devices in Eco-Design Directive and in a possible new Directive for water performance of buildings  Include water efficiency criteria in standards for buildings  Need to have Commission assessment and position on alternative solutions such as waste water reuse  Adopt binding performances at national level, with fines in case of excessive leakages  Develop voluntary agreements with all economic sectors towards more water-friendly services  Further options on research, exchange of best practices, demonstration, advisory services

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

Information, education and training : priority areas for action F. Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Information, education and training : priority areas for action Explore at EU level - possibility of launching an Alliance on efficient use of water in line with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - include rules on water management in quality and certification schemes - improve labelling rules to provide targeted information on water performance and practices on products and services Encourage at national level educational programmes, large campaigns of communication

Draft policy orientations Putting the right price tag on water Allocating water more efficiently Improving drought risk management Increasing water supply: the very last option Fostering water performance technologies and practices Fostering the emergence of water-saving culture in EU Improving knowledge and data collection

 A water scarcity and drought information system across Europe with G. Improving knowledge and data collection  A water scarcity and drought information system across Europe with Standardised data provided on a yearly basis by Member States – need to agree on indicators Yearly assessment by the Commission  Research and technological development opportunities  Use and exploitation of research results  Explore further opportunities including networking under the FP7

Open discussion Water scarcity / droughts Water pricing Drought management Water supply as very last option Alternative technologies Funds Use of exemptions

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