A new international study led by Kemira has cast a spotlight on the vulnerabilities of communities facing sudden loss of access to clean water, driven by extreme weather, outdated infrastructure, and toxic contaminants. The Kemira Water Index 2025, released today, underscores the urgent need for action and more effective strategies to bolster water security, particularly in regions grappling with escalating climate and water-related pressures.
The study, which surveyed 14,000 consumers across Europe and the US, reveals a stark reality: 91% of respondents are concerned about extreme weather phenomena in their regions, and 85% believe their areas need to improve efforts to prepare for floods. Similarly, 84% feel that more work should be done to plan for future droughts and shortages. Alarmingly, only 5% of those surveyed have a detailed emergency plan and a large backup water supply, highlighting a significant gap in household preparedness.
The Kemira Water Index 2025 ranks 10 European countries and 10 US states from the most to the least water-resilient, based on 21 carefully selected metrics reviewed across over 300 data sources. Norway and California top the list, while Italy and Georgia are at the bottom. These rankings provide a crucial benchmark for policymakers, utility companies, businesses, and consumers to evaluate preparedness and identify communities at the highest risk.
The study also delves into public concerns about water contamination. Bacteria or viruses are a top worry for 40% of Americans and 39% of Europeans, while PFAS or ‘forever chemicals’ are a concern for 22% of Americans and 27% of Europeans. This underscores the need for robust water treatment and monitoring systems to ensure water safety.
Water use and management practices vary widely across regions, shaped by local cultures and industries. While 91% of respondents report taking one or more water conservation measures at home, only 26% of Americans trust tap water as their primary drinking source, compared to 70% of Europeans. This disparity highlights the need for public education and awareness campaigns to promote sustainable water use.
The study also reveals a significant gap in government-led initiatives. Nearly half of all surveyed Europeans and Americans feel that government efforts to prepare for floods (47%) and plan for droughts (46%) need improvement. This calls for stronger policy measures and public awareness campaigns to enhance water resilience.
Investment in water infrastructure is another critical area. The study shows that countries like Norway, known for future-focused planning and investing, perform highly in water resilience. However, only 17% of European respondents and 27% of Americans gave their local regions high praise for water infrastructure, indicating a need for more work in this area.
The Kemira Water Index 2025 serves as a wake-up call for the water sector. It highlights the need for urgent action, public education, critical investments in water infrastructure, and government-led initiatives to prepare for future challenges. As Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, Executive Vice President at Kemira, aptly puts it, “Utilities cannot do it alone. Governments and utilities must work together to establish regulatory standards that keep water safe and upgrade systems before the climate crisis worsens. Companies and consumers must also do their part to embrace water-smart habits at home and in their communities to protect our most valuable resource.”
This study is poised to shape the development of the water sector by sparking debate, challenging norms, and driving innovation. It underscores the need for a collaborative approach involving governments, utilities, businesses, and consumers to ensure water security and resilience in the face of escalating climate and water-related pressures.