- A game-changing EU roadmap to restore the water cycle, reduce leakages, and build a smart and resilient water economy
Last week, the European Commission unveiled the European Water Resilience Strategy, a roadmap designed to protect and restore water across the continent. The strategy aims to secure clean and affordable water, while building a smart, sustainable, and competitive water economy.
In the face of intensifying droughts, destructive floods, and growing scarcity, this strategy marks a fundamental shift in Europe’s approach to water security.
Urgent Response to a Changing Climate
The initiative responds to a stark reality: Europe is the fastest-warming continent, and water can no longer be taken for granted. Climate-related water risks already impact citizens, farmers, ecosystems, and businesses. These disruptions cause health concerns, supply issues, and rising economic losses.
Significantly, five of the top ten global business risks today are related to water.
A Strategy Built on Three Core Pillars
To address these challenges, the strategy defines a unified European vision based on three key objectives:
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Restoring and protecting the full water cycle, from source to sea
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Developing a water-smart economy driven by innovation and efficiency
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Ensuring universal access to clean, affordable water and sanitation
It includes over 30 concrete actions and aligns with existing EU legislation, such as the Water Framework Directive and the Drinking Water Directive.
Importantly, the strategy focuses on both water quantity and quality. It emphasizes pollution control (including PFAS), improved water retention, and smarter land use.
Water as a Driver of Innovation and Competitiveness
The Commission also positions water resilience as a growth engine for the EU economy. Europe currently holds 40% of global patents in water technologies. Therefore, investing in research and development is central to the strategy.
New initiatives include:
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A Water Resilience R&I Strategy
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The creation of a European Water Academy
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An EU-wide action plan for digitalization and AI in the water sector
Funding support includes €15 billion in EIB financing, a nature credits roadmap, and increased cohesion policy resources.
Tackling Water Leakages as a Strategic Priority
A major focus of the strategy is on reducing water leakages, which are a key source of inefficiency. Current national leakage rates in the EU range from 8% to 57%, posing a serious challenge to network performance.
To address this, the Commission will introduce a continent-wide leakage threshold by 2028. Member States that exceed this limit must submit national action plans to cut leakage rates by 2030. The strategy encourages modernization of infrastructure, adoption of digital tools, and the use of smart meters.
Legislative Support and Key Deadlines
This new direction is underpinned by strong legal obligations. Under Directive (EU) 2020/2184 and the Water Framework Directive, municipalities must assess structural losses at the DMA (District Metered Area) level.
These assessments must use internationally recognized metrics like the Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI). The first national leakage reports are due by January 12, 2026. From January 12, 2028, maximum leakage thresholds will apply. Municipalities above this threshold must implement dedicated action plans to meet water efficiency targets.
Aganova’s Commitment to a Leak-Free Europe
At Aganova, we fully support this strategic shift. Undetected leaks waste not only water, but also energy, money, and public trust.
Our Nautilus system provides non-invasive, high-precision inspection of large pipelines—without interrupting service. In parallel, our Nemo platform offers advanced analytics to support real-time, data-driven decisions.
Water utilities must act now to assess and repair aging infrastructure. With the right tools and partnerships, real progress is possible.
Proven Results Across Europe
Our recent projects show what is achievable. In Ireland, we are working with Uisce Éireann to reduce water losses below 20%. In Spain, a collaboration with the Mancomunidad de Aguas del Sorbe has kept transmission losses under 5%.
These achievements are the result of a public-private partnership with Microsoft, which aims to return more water to nature than it uses by 2030.
Moreover, in Paris, Aganova was recently awarded a major contract by SEDIF to assess the condition of critical pipelines. Our proposal achieved the highest technical and financial score—highlighting the value of combining technology, data, and experience.
A Shared European Mission
The European Water Resilience Strategy is more than a policy—it is a call to action. With its clear vision, financial support, and bold innovation agenda, Europe is putting water at the center of its climate, economic, and social priorities.
For Aganova, this is a unique opportunity to scale our impact. We are ready to collaborate across borders, share our expertise, and contribute to a smarter, leak-free, and resilient European water future.
About Aganova
Aganova is a pioneering technology company specializing in large-diameter pipeline assessment through leak detection technology. Our smart devices and AI-driven analytics accurately identify leaks and anomalies, providing real-time data to prevent water losses.
We empower Non-Revenue Water (NRW) managers and network operators with precise asset information. This enables cost-effective and low-impact interventions. Since 2016, millions of cubic meters of water have been saved worldwide.
Join Aganova in transforming pipeline management.
For more information, visit aganova.com
