Technology has the potential to transform core operations, from asset management to inspection and maintenance. Yet the sector remains under- digitized, with only a small share of investment directed towards innovation, leaving many utilities reliant on reactive systems. Although proven use cases and effective technology already exist, water-tech is not yet fully activated. By 2040, nearly €0.3 trillion, about €2 per capita annually, will be needed for predictive analytics, robotics and cybersecurity.2.4 Innovation for efficiency Average smart meter penetration by region FIGURE 10 0%20%40%60%80%100% Middle East1North America2China3Europe4Latin America544%89% 21%82% 33% 17%73% 11% 8% Water Electricity% of metered connections99% Notes: 1 Middle East: Bahrain, Jordan, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. Sources: Global Water Intelligence. The Peninsula. https://thepeninsulaqatar.com/ article/13/07/2025/kahramaa-completes-smart-electricity-meter-installation; Bahrain Closing in on ‘Full’ Transition to Smart Meters: Less Than 2% Of Accounts Rely On Electricity Reading Estimates. (2025, January 26). The Daily Tribune. https://www.newsofbahrain.com/bahrain/107796.html; EMRC Reports 87 Percent Smart Meter Coverage, Strengthens Regulatory Oversight. (2025, August 13). Jordan News Agency Petra. https://petra.gov.jo/Include/InnerPage. jsp?ID=74528&lang=en&name=en_news.; 1.13 million electricity smart metres installed across Oman. (2025, May 27). Oman Observer. https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1171188/business/113-million-electricity-smart-metres-installed-across-oman. 2 North America: Canada, United States. Sources: Global Water Intelligence; Berg Insight. (2025, July 8). Smart electricity meter penetration rate in North America reached 82 percent in 2024. https://www.berginsight.com/smart-electricity-meter-penetration-rate-in-north-america-reached-82-percent-in-2024 3 Global Water Intelligence 4 Europe: France, Germany, Italy, Spain. Sources: Global Water Intelligence; Eurelectric. (2023) Powerbarometer 2023 https://powerbarometer.eurelectric.org/power-barometer-2023/ 5 Latin America: Brazil, Mexico. Sources: Global Water Intelligence; Berg Insight. (2024, August 16). Massive growth ahead in the Latin American smart electricity metering market. https://www.berginsight.com/massive-growth-ahead-in-the-latin-american-smart-electricity-metering-market Bridging the €6.5 Trillion Water Infrastructure Gap: A Playbook 24

Bridging the %E2%82%AC6.5 Trillion Water Infrastructure Gap A Playbook 2025