Water is a resource under growing pressure. Demographic growth, water-intensive industries, agriculture, energy production, mining, urban development, and the accelerating impacts of climate change are placing increasing strain on water bodies and aquatic ecosystems.

This publication illustrates the growing role of public operators in addressing the water crisis, not only by ensuring reliable service delivery, but also by actively working to repair the “broken water cycle” through nature-based and hybrid solutions. Through a series of case studies from APE members, the publication explores the potential of different approaches while analysing the governance complexities and operational uncertainties that may hamper their uptake.

This work aims to foster peer learning and contribute to the broader policy dialogue on how to “improve efficiency, strengthen resilience, and restore the ecosystems on which water depends,” in the words of APE President Bernard Van Nuffel. In this sense, the ambition is also to showcase how the public water sector can contribute to achieving the objectives of the European Water Resilience Strategy, as discussed during the meeting the APE Management Board held with Commissioner Roswall in November 2025.

DOWNLOAD THE PUBLICATION HERE.