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The European Commission is seeking evidence to help shape a digital action plan aimed at transforming water management across the European Union
Announced on 27 May, the plan aligns with the EU’s Water Resilience Strategy and aims to modernise the water sector through advanced digital technologies.
The online consultation will remain open until 24 June, giving businesses, researchers, public authorities and technology providers the opportunity to contribute ideas and expertise.
Smarter water management
The planned action strategy focuses on improving how water resources are monitored, distributed, and protected. By increasing the use of digital tools such as smart metres, artificial intelligence, and connected sensors, the EU hopes to tackle growing concerns about water scarcity, ageing infrastructure, and inefficient consumption.
Smart water metres are expected to play a key role in the plan. These devices can provide real-time information about water usage, helping households, businesses and utilities identify waste and reduce unnecessary consumption. According to the Commission, smart metres alone could cut water use by up to 25%.
Additional digital systems designed to optimise water management could save an additional 5–8%, while improved leak detection technologies could reduce consumption by another 7–14%.
Sustainability and competitiveness
The European Commission says the digital action plan will not only help protect Europe’s water supplies but also strengthen the region’s economic competitiveness.
Water efficiency is becoming increasingly important as Europe faces more frequent droughts, climate-related pressures and rising demand from sectors such as agriculture, energy production and data centres. Better digital infrastructure could help ensure clean and affordable water remains available while reducing strain on existing systems.
The strategy also supports the wider rollout of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across the water sector. Connected sensors and automated monitoring systems could allow utilities and local authorities to react more quickly to changing conditions, infrastructure failures or pollution risks.
Focusing on innovation and artificial intelligence
The consultation is also looking for evidence on how technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, can improve water infrastructure and operational resilience.
AI-powered systems could help predict maintenance issues, improve water forecasting and support faster responses to leaks or supply disruptions. The European Commission is particularly interested in understanding how digital innovation can be scaled up across the EU.
However, officials acknowledge that there are still major challenges to overcome. Regulatory barriers, differing national standards and limited infrastructure investment are among the issues that may slow progress.
The Commission is inviting contributions from a wide range of stakeholders involved in water management and digital technology. This includes river basin managers, water companies, agricultural organisations, energy providers, research institutions and IT developers.
By gathering evidence and practical examples from across Europe, the EU hopes to build a strong digital strategy that can improve resilience, reduce waste and prepare the water sector for future environmental and economic pressures.
The final action plan is expected to form an important part of the EU’s long-term sustainability and climate adaptation goals.