EU POLICY LEVERS Lever #1 Harmonising Regulations and Standards Industry leaders at the “Think-In” event re-emphasised that Europe’s water policy framework is ambitious but too fragmented. Inconsistent standards across Member States are slowing down investments, locking promising technologies in pilot mode, and preventing industrial water reuse from scaling. The lack of harmonisation also creates uncertainty for end-users, delays permitting, and undermines trust in cross-border solutions. An approach that streamlines approvals, enables infrastructure sharing, and builds confidence through consistency is seen as essential to unlock the internal market. Stakeholders also welcomed the EU WRS’s focus on implementing existing regulations rather than adding new layers of complexity. Translating policy into actionable frameworks at the regional level will be key; without stronger local execution, there is a risk that the strategy will remain aspirational. It was also re-stated that fit-for-purpose regulatory frameworks for water should enable innovation and bottom-up tried solutions while adhering to all necessary environmental standards. Additional recommendations following the “Think-In” event Introduce tiered water grades for industrial water reuse A one-size-fits-all classification system cannot meet the diverse needs of industrial water users. A tiered water quality ladder linked to application risk would allow high-grade reuse for sensitive processes like cooling, rinsing, or product contact while enabling lower-grade reuse for boilers, landscaping, or other non-critical uses. This water fit-for-purpose approach would unlock more flexible reuse pathways and reduce unnecessary costs. Complement tiering with sector-specific guidelines To ensure practical uptake, tiered standards should be supported by sector-specific reuse guidelines. These modular frameworks can be adapted to different industries, moving water reuse beyond its current agricultural focus and aligning with real-world operational needs. Examples like Sweden’s dairy sector guidance were mentioned to show how tailored standards can accelerate implementation. Define minimum standards for reuse and recovered materials To drive confidence in reuse, industry end-users advocate for clear, quality thresholds not only for reclaimed water, but also for materials recovered from wastewater (e.g., nutrients, salts, and biosolids). These standards should be co-regulated under the Circular Economy Act, ensuring water reuse and resource recovery are treated as part of the same system. Existing legislation in other regions, such as in China, could serve as a reference point for how this can be done. Prioritise support for local implementation Many local water plans remain unfinished. This is not due to lack of ambition, but rather due to gaps in capacity, funding, and tools. As the EU WRS focuses on enabling existing frameworks rather than legislating, it should allocate resources to “implementation accelerators” that help local authorities and industrial actors translate strategy into practice. Strengthen data-driven accountability Robust data collection (e.g., smart metering, real-time reporting) is critical to mapping risk, measuring impact, and building credible business cases. A strong data foundation can enable informed decision-making, support local implementation, and help track progress across industrial water stewardship efforts. Dr. Thomas Finke Vice President Water Treatment Grundfos Industry 3 \ ADDENDUM | “TAPPING INTO SOLUTIONS: OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR INDUSTRY IN EUROPE’S RESILIENT WATER FUTURE” | KEY REINFORCEMENTS AND ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
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