15 March 2012: The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released a report, titled “Towards Efficient Use of Water Resources in Europe,” which highlights the importance of integrated water resources management (IWRM) to reducing inefficient water use impacts on ecosystems and people. The report emphasizes the competition between agriculture, energy production, industry, public water supply and ecosystems, for limited water resources.

Two sectors highlighted as particularly ripe for efficiency gains in Europe are agriculture, which uses 25% of water in Europe and suffers losses through inefficient irrigation techniques, and public water supply, with up to 50% lost in some European Union (EU) countries.

The report also highlights that inefficient water use can lead to increasing energy demand, as desalinization becomes required. The report recommends solutions, such as setting environmental water targets, accounting for available water resources, ensuring sufficient water for maintaining ecosystems, and establishing accurate water pricing, which would help balance conflicting demands. [EEA Press Release] [Publication: Towards Efficient Use of Water Resources in Europe]