EUROVOC descriptor: award of contract transport network energy demand postal service water supply sustainable development services of general interest

160. Notes that the Union financed the modernisation of a water distribution network in Skorkov (CZ) to the amount of EUR 1,1 million; is concerned about the fact that the communal authorities have rented the exploitation of the water distribution system to a company which already manages the local sewerage system; notes that the latter was also co-financed with EUR 1,4 million from Union funds and that the price for the supply of drinking water increased by 45 %; considers that drinking water is a public good and that all citizens need to have access to high quality drinking water at a reasonable price;

156. Notes that the Union financed the modernisation of a water distribution network in Skorkov (CZ) to the amount of EUR 1,1 million; is concerned about the fact that the communal authorities have rented the exploitation of the water distribution system to a company which already manages the local sewerage system; notes that the latter was also co-financed with EUR 1,4 million from Union funds and that the price for the supply of drinking water increased by 45 %; considers that drinking water is a public good and that all citizens need to have access to high quality drinking water at a reasonable price;

Even though droughts and water scarcity are affecting more and more parts of Europe, an estimated 20-40 % of Europe’s available water is still being wasted, for instance, through leakages in the distribution system.

in the case of water supplied from a distribution network, at the point within the supply zone or at the treatment works if it can be demonstrated that such sampling gives the same or higher measured value of the parameters concerned;

- priority is given to the ‘French’ water management model, based on Public Private Partnership (PPP). PPP is generally considered one of the most progressive forms of water privatisation. The public authorities invest in infrastructure and set the general framework best suited to aid the work of the private sector, which is responsible for managing water conveyance and supply, maintenance and sewage treatment;