{"id":55144,"date":"2026-10-13T06:38:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T04:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/?post_type=blog&p=55144"},"modified":"2026-10-14T16:46:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T14:46:15","slug":"europes-water-infrastructure-is-under-pressure-how-can-we-invest-wisely","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/www.swecobelgium.be\/en\/news\/europes-water-infrastructure-is-under-pressure-how-can-we-invest-wisely\/","title":{"rendered":"Europe\u2019s water infrastructure is under pressure. How can we invest wisely?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Europe\u2019s water infrastructure<\/a> is facing a major transformation. Ageing assets, climate change, changing needs and stricter standards are increasing the need for future-proof water systems<\/a>. These systems must operate reliably today while remaining resilient, flexible and efficient for decades to come. Find out more in the latest Urban Insight report, Old Pipes, New Pressures: Transforming Europe\u2019s Water Infrastructure<\/em><\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Opportunities for future-proof water infrastructure<\/h2>\n

The European Commission estimates the annual investment shortfall in the EU water sector at around \u20ac23 billion.<\/p>\n

However, simply investing more money is not enough. The key is to direct available resources towards the areas where they will create the greatest long-term value.<\/p>\n

Water infrastructure is ageing faster than it is being renewed<\/h2>\n

Using EurEau\u2019s 2026 data on annual investment levels, Sweco calculated how long it would take to renew drinking water networks at current rates of investment.<\/p>\n

The findings reveal a significant gap between the pace of renewal and the rate at which infrastructure is ageing. In Belgium, the estimated replacement cycle is around 90 years; in countries such as Lithuania, it exceeds 1,000 years.<\/p>\n

These figures highlight the potential for a smarter approach to investment. The oldest infrastructure does not necessarily need to be replaced first. More importantly, investment decisions should focus on where renewal is most urgently needed and where it can make the greatest difference. Factors include the condition of the infrastructure, its importance to service provision, the potential impact of failure and increasing climate risks<\/a>.<\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Belgium cannot afford to delay the renewal of its ageing water and wastewater infrastructure any longer. By investing strategically in refurbishment, replacement and smart data applications today, we can avoid higher costs tomorrow and build a resilient water system capable of withstanding climate change and meeting future societal needs.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Annelies Beuckels<\/em><\/strong>, Project Manager Water<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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From renewal to resilience<\/h2>\n

Our investment approach needs to change. Sweco advocates:<\/p>\n