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Post-COVID-19 recovery: The role of public water services for a more resilient, fairer and greener EU

As Europe is slowly starting to emerge from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis which has deeply affected citizens’ lives, economies and public systems throughout the EU, the focus is now on drawing the lessons from the emergency and its management and on re-building. The sanitary crisis rang the alarm, reminding us what matters the most and signalling necessary changes in our lifestyles. As we enter the recovery, it is paramount to make the EU more resilient, fairer and more respectful of our resources. 

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As Europe is slowly starting to emerge from the unprecedented COVID-19 crisis which has deeply affected citizens’ lives, economies and public systems throughout the EU, the focus is now on drawing the lessons from the emergency and its management and on re-building. The sanitary crisis rang the alarm, reminding us what matters the most and signalling necessary changes in our lifestyles. As we enter the recovery, it is paramount to make the EU more resilient, fairer and more respectful of our resources. 

Aqua Publica Europea, the European Association of Public Water Operators, represents a public sector that has been at the forefront of the crisis response by ensuring the provision of safe water to all through difficult times. Looking forward, public water operators will also be instrumental in the economic recovery by playing an important part in a reconstruction focused on greener development

The members of Aqua Publica Europea have the potential to be great partners in the considerable efforts to be deployed: as a public common good, water is essential for society’s health and wellbeing and central for socio-economic recovery; whilst public services play a unique role in territorial development. 

As the EU reflects and shapes the world of tomorrow, it is critical to define priorities and avoid the shortcomings that have participated in the situation we have experienced. In this context, we outline the role of public water services in emergencies and beyond, and we call for decision-makers to consider the contribution of the public water sector for a more resilient, greener and fairer Europe. 
 

  1. Public water services: essential services that leave no one behind
  2. Rebuilding economies: the economic role of public water services
  3. Towards a greener future, more respectful of our resources

Europe is facing a new era and as we set the building blocks of the society and economy of tomorrow, the public water and sanitation sector has the potential to be a great ally which should be taken into consideration in recovery planning and investment. Quality water and performing services bring a vast array of positive outcomes – from socially fair to economically thriving communities. The World Health Organisation’s estimates highlight, globally, a gain of 1.5% of global GDP and a US$ 4.3 return for every dollar invested in water and sanitation services . Applied at EU level, the figures highlight important returns for investment in the European water and sanitation sector, concretely improving lives and supporting the economy. Therefore, as we move forward, Aqua Publica Europea calls upon decision-makers to consider the role of public water operators throughout its upcoming recovery policies

 

Download our full paper below

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