Droughts have cost the European economy over 100 billion euros during the past 30 years, according to EC calculations.

And astonishingly, EU citizens continue to waste 20% of water used every year.

But in an effort to counter the predicted consequences of climate change and push the EU towards a water-efficient economy, the Commission has recommended compulsory metering and a higher price on water.

From the EC strategy paper: “The user-pays principle needs to become the rule, regardless of whether the water is taken from a tap, a river or an aquifer. Compulsory metering programmes are thus essential.”

The Commission will also take steps to encourage businesses and consumers to savour every drop. This means better designed buildings and the installation of water-saving devices in bathrooms, as well as the introduction of labelling to indicate the water-efficiency of individual devices.

“Access to water in sufficient quantity is fundamental to the daily lives of human beings and many economic activities,” said Stavros Dimas, Environmental Commissioner. “The major impacts of water scarcity and droughts are expected to be made worse by climate change.”