The European Commission is set to propose a plan requiring EU member state to cut water usage by at least 10% by 2030 to address increasing droughts and water scarcity. This marks the EU's first targeted water efficiency initiative, driven by shrinking groundwater reserves and escalating water stress. The plan urges nations to improve water infrastructure addressing leaky pipes that cause 25% average water loss (60% in Bulgaria) and invest in pumps and treatment systems. It also calls for increasing water reuse, currently just 2.4% in the EU. While the 10% savings target is non-binding, the Commission hopes it will spur national goals and improved data collection.
