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European Economic and Social Committee

REX

Brussels, 25 September 2009

6th EU-China Round Table
Sustainable development and water
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Rapporteur: Mr Vladimír Báleš
Expert: Mr Ján Derco
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REX – CESE DI 61/2009 SK/CvL/ym

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Sustainable development and water issues

1.Introduction

1.1The Sustainable Development Strategy of the European Union is a framework for a long-term vision of sustainability in which economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection go hand in hand and are mutually supporting[1].

1.2Access to good quality water in sufficient quanitity is fundamental to the daily lives of every human being and to most economic activities.Water availability andsanitation are among the key conditions forhuman health, prosperity and existence[2]. These are not only significant issues in terms of the natural envionment;they can also have an impact on long-term sustainable growth.

1.3Water scarcity may be the result of natural causes, human activities or an interaction of both, either through over-use of the natural supply or through degradation of water quality[3].

1.4In recent years, water related problemshave been particularly affected by the onset of climate change, and subsequent prolonged periods of drought or rainfall. We shall also have to contend with these phenomena in the future[4].

1.5Policy in the area of water scarcity and droughts represents one of the most important steps in the implementation of the EU's sustainable development policy[5].

2.European water policy

2.1Themain priority of European water policy is to ensure access to water as a basic human necessity. By so doing, the EU will be actively involved in achieving the Millenium Development Goals[6].

2.2Improving water quality is among the priorities of the EU's policy in this area. To meet this objective, the European Parliament and the Council have adopted the Water Framework Directive[7],the aim of which is to achieve a good level of water quality across the EU by 2015. The Water Framework Directive was also accompanied by a Directive which establishes environmental quality standards for a number ofpriority substances[8].

3.Imbalance between demand andavailable resources

  • Europe's populationdoes not have to contend withincreasing water scarcity or poor water quality. Generally speaking, Europe has sufficient water resources to meet its needs. There are, however, significant regional differences in terms of the distribution of Europe's water resources[9].
  • In many areas, excessive water consumption by certain economic sectors represents a grave danger forwater resources, often leading to water demand exceeding availabilty. The balance between water abstraction and availability has now reached a critical level in many areas of Europe[10].

3.1Increasingurbanisation

3.1.1Increasing urbanisation is one of theprincipal factors behind local imbalances between water abstraction and availability. As the population has risen (the world's total population is forecast to reach 9 billion by 2050[11])there has been a corresponding increase in water consumption, primarily fordrinking water and food needs, but alsofor thecultivation of land and for animal produce.

3.1.2Water consumption has doubled over the past 40 years driven byfactors such as population growth, an increase in the standard of living and, in certain areas, seasonal inflows of tourists. However, there hasbeen no increase in freshwater resources over the same period. In reality, the availability of drinking waterhas actually declined as a result ofcontamination by human activity.

3.2Efficient water use

3.2.1It is possible to reduce the amount of water abstracted fromour water resources without limitingconsumption, which could have an adverse impact on human health and economic growth. This can be achieved by curbing water wastage, making more efficient use of water in certain sectors and, where applicable, through the use ofalternative water resources.

3.2.2Water saving is one of the EU's main responses to the problem of water scarcity and droughts and for making more efficient use of water[12]. There is great potential for water saving in Europe. Trends in water use are unsustainable with the EU continuing to waste 20% of its water due to inefficiency[13]. Losses owing to leakages in the public water supply network in urban centres may exceed 50%[14].

3.2.3New infrastructure (desalination, reuse of wastewater) for the supply of watershould beconsideredonly after exhausting all other possibilities,such as an effective pricing policy for the supply of water orcost effective alternatives.

3.2.4The public supply of water should always be an absolute priority in orderto ensure access to adequate water supplies.

3.3Pricing policy and water

3.3.1Water pricingis a key element of theWater Framework Directive[15]. The directive advocates the use of water pricing to encourage the sustainable use of water resources and the recovery of the costs of water services. The aim of water pricing policies is toachieve the environmental objectives at a minimum cost.

3.3.2Water tariffs should reflect the true value ofwater resourcesand encourage consumers touse water more efficiently.This principle reflects the strong correlation existing between excessive water use and the undervalued price of water.

3.3.3The Directive applies to all water users. It requires the various water users (industry, households and agriculture) to make an adequate contribution to the recovery of the costs of water services, in accordance with the polluter pays principle

3.4The impact of climate change onavailable resources

3.4.1Climate change has prompted an increase in extreme hydrological events both inside and outside the EU. These are long-term phenomena, which are likely to aggravate the situation, affecting both the quality and quantity of water resources.

3.4.2Water scarcity and drought represent a major challenge with relevant socio-economic and environmental impacts in the EU. The problem already affects various parts of the EU with around one fifth of the EU's population living in countries experiencing stress on their water resources. The total economic impact of drought at EU level over the last 30 years is estimated at EUR 100 billion[16].

3.4.3Water scarcity and droughtare not equally acute in all regions of the EU. The future impact of climate change on the stress on water resouceswill be most acute in the Mediterranean region, where alternate periods of rainfall and prolonged periods of droughthave aggravated the already existing imbalance between water abstraction and availability[17].

3.4.4According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, climate change would bring water scarcity to between 1.1 and 3.2 billion people if temperatures rose by 2 to 3°C[18].

  • To address the negative impact of climate change, the EU has made a unilateral commitment toreduce its total emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. If a comprehensive international climate change agreement is agreed onin Copenhangen inDecember 2009, the EU has committed to increasing its reduction to 30 %[19].

3.5Addressing water scarcity

3.5.1The specificity of the water scarcity and drought issue requires coordinated actionat EU and Member State level, as well as at local and regional government level. There is a need to mainstream the issue of water into allpolicy areas to create a truly integrated approach when addressing it, including all of the EU'sfinancial and legal instruments.All political levels (national, regional and local level) should be involved in this process.

3.5.2Water resource management should combinemeasures of demand management, measures to optimise existing resources and measures to create new resources. The objective is to achieve the most economically and environmentally efficient solutionwhich will optimise the balance between supply and demand and ensure the uninterrupted public supply of water, including during periods of drought, in accordance with the principle of sustainable development.

3.5.3National and regional authorities in Europe should improve how they manage their water resources.Measures should be adopted to reduce and regulate demand instead of simply stepping up efforts to increase water supplies.

3.5.4Supply-side measures for the regions most affected by water scarcity and drought may take the form of traditional options, such as the construction of infrastructure to regulate watercourses, or alternative and innovative solutions such as the sustainable re-use of waste water or desalination.

3.5.5Rainwater represents an alternative water resource, albeit with limited use potential. Nonetheless, the use of rainwater could be an attractive solution for industrial applications. In the case of domestic use, rainwater catchment systems must be kept separate from drinking water installations due to the attendant health risk.

3.5.6Desalination can have a legitimate role to play in long term water management in Mediterranean countries. However, it is important to bear in mind that this process is highly energy intensive. Also, the salty brine, a by-product of the process, can harm the environment[20].

  • Nonetheless,such alternative technology for the production of drinking water does offer some potential for futuredevelopment. While it currently covers only 1 % of drinking water needs, 40 % of the world's population live within 70 km of the coast[21].

3.5.7Another alternative solution is sustainable sanitation. The key objective of this approach is a new sustainable philosophy that uses waste as a resource[22]. Sustainable sanitation is based on the implementation of the material-flow-oriented recycling process, the recovery of nutrients, the minimisation of water pollution, the economic use of water and the reuse of purified water, particularly forirrigation purposes.

3.5.8One example of a proven alternative solution is the package of protective measuresadopted for households in Cyprusto support the use of "greywater" (i.e. water from dishwashing and laundry processes) for garden irrigation andtoilet flushing needs. This resulted in a drop of 40 % in per capita water consumption. Another example is Germany, where the country's five largest towns have supported rainwater catchment for over ten years now and aim tofit out fifteen percent of buildings with appropriate rainwater catchment systems by the year 2010[23].

4.Water as a key factor for sustainable development

  • The meeting of the CSD in May 2009 agreed that to achieve long-term food security, there is a need for future policies to take into account environmental concerns, such as water demand in agriculture, deforestation, soil degradation and climate change adaptation needs[24].
  • Water is essential for life. It must remain a public good and a fundamental element of countries' sovereignty which should be accessible to everyone at fair 'social and environmental prices.' Ensuring fair access to water for all, including future generations, should guide all water policy[25].
  • Identifying a solution to the problem of the increasing demand forgood quality water in sufficient quanitity and ensuring its sustainable use for future generations, is one of the cornerstones of the EU's policy in the field of water, asset out in the Water Framework Directive[26].

4.1Human health and social aspects

4.1.1An adequate amount of water of adequate quality is essential for public health and hygiene.The World Health Organization has defined around 20 litres of water per capita per day as the minimum amount for life needs – although this amount still implies high health concerns – and 100 litres per capita per day as the optimal access, associated with low health concerns[27].

  • Studies of water use worldwide reveal stark differences. An American consumes 600 litresa day on average, a European 250 to 300, a Jordanian 40 and an African 30[28].

4.1.2Water is a renewableresource. Its pollution bywaste water from industry and agriculture, however, leads to the contamination ofwater resources, which limits or prevents its reuse. This ultimately results in the pollution of oceans, which provide many people with avital food source.

  • Contaminated water must be drained and then purified after use.One alternative to conventional sanitation is sustainable sanitation,which involves water treatment and thepurification of waste water.It protects and promotes human health, does not contribute to environmental degradation or depletion of the resource base, is technically and institutionally appropriate, economically viable and socially acceptable[29].

4.2Environmental aspects

4.2.1One of the most important aspects of the EU's long-term strategic objectives is to step up environmental efforts to protect biodiversity, water and other natural resources.

  • Water scarcity can lead to reduced river flows, lower groundwater levels, andthe drying out of wetlands. Reducing the amount of water resources has an adverse impact on the water environment and on freshwater ecosystems.
  • The degradation of our ecosystems not only lowers the quality of life for people today and for future generations, but also impedes our progress towards sustainable long-term economic growth.

4.3Economic development

4.3.1Studies of water use worldwide reveal that agriculture is the biggest user (71% of water abstraction), followed by industry (20%) and domestic water consumption (9%)[30].

  • In the EU as a whole, energy production accounts for 44 % of total water abstraction, primarily serving as cooling water. Twenty-four per cent of abstracted water is used in agriculture, 21 % for public water supply and 11 % for industrial purposes.
  • The amount of water used by individual sectors varies significantly across the EU's regions. In southern Europe, for example, agriculture accounts for more than half of total national abstraction, rising to more than 80 % in some regions. In Western Europe, meanwhile, more than half of water abstracted goes to energy production as cooling water.
  • Individual sectors also differ significantly in their consumptive use of water. Almost 100 % of cooling water used in energy production is restored to a waterbody and may be reused. In contrast, the consumption of water through crop growth and evaporation typically means that only about 30 % of water abstracted for agriculture is returned. [31]

4.3.2Agriculture, as a productive sector, suffers acutely from the effects of water scarcity and drought, while at the same time playing an important role in the sustainable management of available water resources

  • The EU has supported measures to improve water management in agriculture, promoting the modernisation of irrigation systems to reduce water consumption and boosting research in this field.
  • All production, including irrigated and biomass production and all economic activities should be adapted to the amount of water available locally. This is a key condition for sustainable land-use planning across Europe.

4.3.3Significant potential remains for the greater implementation of water efficient practices and technologies. Recycling ofwastewater has an important role to play in this respect, not only in reducing water use but also the subsequent discharge of wastewater[32].

4.3.4As part of the Climate and Energy Package [33]the EU is committed to sourcing 10% of its fuel consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020 (including biofuels, renewable electricity and hydrogen).Biofuel production will increase demand for large quantities of water.It will therefore be important to monitor the impact of increased biofuel use on water availability.

5.Framework directive andthe sustainable use of water resources

  • The adoption of the Water Framework Directive marks a change in the approach towards the protection of water resources. It focuses on creating the conditions needed for the sustainable use of water resources, through integrated river basin management. The changing relationship between man and water requires a new understanding of this issue and a new approach to water protection, particularly on the part of national bodies and organisations. These procedures stem from the need to ensure sufficient quantities of water of an adequate quality, and to maintain thenatural function of water courses and preserve countries' natural ecosystems.
  • The aim of the Framework Directive is to achieve a good level of water quality by 2015by adopting a qualitative approach to water resources. The new European water policy is based onthe integrated management of river basins. A "combined approach" will apply in the area of water protection i.e. the simultaneous application of emission limit values and environmental quality standards, including eliminating the discharge of priority hazardous substances into the waterenvironment and reducing the levels of priority substances it contains.
  • The qualitative approach to the protection of water resources is consistent with the quantitative approach to water use. Protecting the quality of water resources will help ensure the sustainable use of water from such resources e.g. through thepurification of waste water. By constructing sewage networks and waste water purification plants it will be possible to increase the proportion of people with access to sanitation[34]. This also applies to the protection of water resources in areas where agriculture and pesticide use is intensive.

5.1Public involvement in theimplementation of the Framework Directive

5.1.1Taking into account the broad scopeof the Framework andthe fact that water will indeed be a key factor in the sustainable development of the Member States, a whole host ofgovernment departments, civil society representatives and NGOsshould be involvedin the process of implementing this Directive.

5.1.2The implementation processshould be founded onprinciples of openness and transparency to encouragethe participation of stakeholders in thedraftingof planning documents andpackages of measures.

5.2Importance of education, training and information

5.2.1Consumers have a major role to play if the sustainable use of water resources is to be achieved in the EU. Eudcation and training are especially vital for spreading understanding of the importance of the water issue. Education about water management shouldhelp raise awareness of the need topreserve water resources in terms of both quality and quantity.

5.2.2Information and education campaigns are of key importance for facilitating a change in behaviour and practices and the emergence of a water saving and efficient water use culture.

6.Prospects for mutual cooperation

6.1Water is a global issue andis one of the conditions for worldwide sustainable development. The exchange of good practice among countries, regions, citiesand civil society organisations, focusing on measures to save water (including the purification of rain and waste water), improving water efficiency and managing the risk of droughts offers a particularly rich source of potential.

6.2The European Economic and Social Committee recommends cooperation between the EU and China in areas such as improving water use efficiency, waste water discharge and purification and river basin managementas a means of achieving the sustainable use of water resources.

  • Such cooperation could be organised through the education of students, participation in joint research projects, expert exchange programs or other appropriatemeans.

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REX – CESE DI 61/2009 SK/CvL/ym

[1]COM(2009) 400, 24.7.2009.

[2]The 2008 UN report on the Millennium Development Goals points out that nearly 1 billion people do not have access to safe drinking water and nearly 2.5 billion lack access to sanitation.