Is tap water becoming a luxury in Europe? Although many Europeans can still easily access water, some have faced water restrictions for years. The water crisis in Europe is becoming more serious. Why is this happening, and how will it affect the daily lives of expatriates? Let's have a look at the current situation.
Europe's water tables at record lows
The situation is evident: less water is available, there's a growing population, and the agricultural sector's demand for water is on the rise. In recent years, about 30% of Europeans have experienced water scarcity. Agriculture and livestock farming are only some of the users of Europe's water resources; industry also heavily relies on water. Both of these sectors cannot function without this vital resource. Water is indispensable for producing fruits, vegetables, and food for human consumption. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in industry, serving as a component in the production process, waste disposal, equipment cleaning, cooling systems, and heating, among other things.
In 2022, hydrologist Jay Famiglietti, the Director of the World Water Security Institute at the University of Saskatchewan in Canada, and his team are raising a red flag again. Contrary to common belief, short heavy rainfall and flooding episodes don't effectively replenish the groundwater. European regions have seen both intense rainfall and heatwaves. Periods of drought are becoming more frequent, and according to Jay Famiglietti and his colleagues, the availability of freshwater resources in Europe is a cause for serious concern. From 2002 to 2022, these resources have significantly diminished. The researchers assert that Europe has been losing approximately 84 gigatons of water each year since the start of the 21st century.
Causes of the European water crisis
One might immediately think of global warming. According to scientists from the European Commission, the drought of 2022 ranks as the most severe in 500 years. While a report from the European Drought Observatory (EDO) shows that in August 2022, drought impacted 28% of European regions, which is an improvement from the 55.8% figure of the previous year, it also underscores that groundwater levels are critically low. Occasional rainfall isn't sufficient to replenish them.
Researchers highlight the excessive use of water by humans. It is believed that producing a single pair of jeans requires between 7,000 and 10,000 liters of water while making 1 kg of steel consumes 300 to 600 liters of water. For every metric ton of paper, it takes 10 to 25,000 liters of water, and a car production demands a whopping 35,000 liters of water. Additionally, livestock farming is also a substantial water consumer. Approximately 15,500 liters of water are necessary to produce 1 kg of beef, while pork requires a relatively lower amount, averaging around 5,700 liters. Wheat also has a significant water footprint, using 1,500 liters per kg, though much less than rice, which demands 4,500 liters for the same weight. Human activities also play a role. According to the French Agency for Ecological Transition (ADEME), a brief 1 to 3-minute shower can consume between 35 to 60 liters of water, assuming a flow rate of 20 liters per minute, the output of a standard showerhead.
These industrial and agricultural operations, along with urban development, are increasingly thirsty for water. This means we're tapping into deeper underground sources, driven by the growing scarcity of water due to droughts, heat waves, and insufficient rainfall. We find ourselves in a troubling cycle where we have to dig deeper and deeper to access water, intensifying the problem of water stress.
How does the water crisis affect expatriates in Europe?
There are water shortages around the globe, and the scientific outlook isn't promising. This means that both residents and expatriates will have to endure more extended periods of water restrictions and remain constantly vigilant. Daily life in countries like Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, and Romania revolves around managing water supplies. Since 2022, Apele Române, Romania's water management authority, has promoted rainwater harvesting for household use, such as watering plants, as a solution. During that time, 700 communities were placed under water restrictions due to drought.
In 2022, 86% of Catalans had to cope with a limited water supply, and the situation hasn't improved in 2023, which was marked by 30 weeks of persistent drought. The prolonged drought of 2023 has led to new restrictions, affecting not just individuals but also industries and farmers. Similar measures aimed at conserving water resources are being implemented in various other parts of Europe, even in northern countries.
The water shortage in France
In France, regions facing water restrictions had a particularly challenging summer. However, vigilance was established right from the beginning of the year, with 8 departments placed under control (Bouches-du-Rhône, Ain, Var, Pyrénées-Orientales, Savoie, Drôme, Ardèche, and Yvelines). Subsequently, Corrèze, Vaucluse, Sarthe, and Alpes-Maritimes were added to the list. The French Ministry of Ecological Transition highlights that, as of 2021, 350 French communities were supplied with water by tanker trucks to prevent drinking water shortages. For the authorities, it's a matter of "managing water use prudently." The situation in Mayotte is even more concerning, with rationed drinking water being delivered every 1 to 3 days or sometimes even every 1 to 4 days.
Both residents and expatriates are adapting to a lifestyle with limited water resources and becoming more mindful of how they use the water available to them. During the summer, various regulations govern water usage, including restrictions on activities like filling up the garden, car washing, and watering plants. This guidance also extends to the home, with suggestions to opt for quick showers over baths and use water-efficient showerheads.
People are encouraged to shut off the tap securely after use and promptly fix any leaks. When brushing your teeth, turn off the tap and use just the amount of water necessary to rinse your mouth. These practical steps not only contribute to environmental conservation but also result in cost savings. While most individuals generally embrace such practices, there are some who openly resist. In the country's southern regions, pool owners have protested against prefectural decrees, but in vain. Several municipalities have even imposed bans on the construction of swimming pools to safeguard the water table.
How to guarantee sustainable water supply
In June 2022, the European Drought Observatory (EDO) once again alerted the European leaders, pointing out that "more than a quarter of the European Union's territory is currently under drought alert conditions, with 8% of the territory already in a state of drought alert." The European Parliament has committed to taking "enhanced measures" to "safeguard and enhance the EU's water resources." The EU operates under the framework of the Water Framework Directive that empowers it to safeguard European water resources and combat water pollution from substances like pesticides, chemicals, metals, and more. The list of pollutants is regularly updated, as they impact not just surface waters but also groundwater.
The EU is encouraging manufacturers, farmers, and livestock breeders to adopt more water-efficient practices, even if it means making some sacrifices. The rising temperatures are challenging the cultivation of certain fruits and vegetables in Europe. Permaculture is gaining prominence as a practical and eco-friendly approach to agriculture. However, farmers point out the mixed messages from the European Commission, which, while calling for efforts to be made, continues to be influenced by powerful lobbies, especially those in the agri-food industry.
As warned by scientists, Europe's water crisis demands both short-term and long-term solutions. With the inevitable increase in water demands due to population growth, Europe faces the challenge of reconciling the climate crisis, demographic shifts, and economic strategies.
