All the enablers described above cannot succeed in isolation. A culture that values water, understands its socio-economic importance and supports stewardship at all levels is essential. The first step is to reinforce public awareness campaigns for water resilience. Campaigns should highlight the socio-economic and environmental importance of water. Water utilities and governments can partner with media, academia and civil society to maximize reach and resonance. Governments can establish awards or certifications for businesses, communities or individuals who demonstrate leadership in water resilience. Recognition programmes can be built at all levels, from municipalities to regions and states. Also, small yet sustained behavioural nudges can lead to better water resilience. Mobile apps and real-time feedback tools help consumers track usage and adjust habits accordingly. Embedding water literacy in school and university curricula builds long-term awareness and resilience. Topics should cover the water cycle, climate change, economics and technology, and be co- designed by education ministries in partnership with utilities and tech companies. Targeted training programmes can also equip professionals – from industry engineers to financiers – to adopt new technologies and practices. Governments can support universities, vocational schools and corporate academies in developing tailored curricula and certifications aligned with evolving industry, regulatory and sustainability needs.Citizenship programmes Education and professional training3.4 Culture CASE STUDY 25 Scottish Water In early 2025, as Scotland faced its driest start to a year in six decades, Scottish Water launched a national behavioural campaign motivating customers to adopt simple yet impactful actions: turning off sprinklers, using watering cans and shortening showers. Supported by multi-channel communications and community engagement, these collective efforts reduced daily demand by an estimated 60 million litres, enough to supply half of Fife, a Scottish local government area with a population of approximately 375,000. The campaign not only protected supplies but also fostered a culture of shared responsibility for water. By linking water efficiency to energy savings, Scottish Water demonstrated how behavioural nudges can strengthen national resilience and deliver economic and environmental benefits simultaneously. CASE STUDY 26 Acea and Intesa Sanpaolo – Water Academy Acea has launched Water Academy, a comprehensive programme structured around three action areas. First, an education initiative for primary and secondary schools, developed with the Italian Ministry of Education, promotes awareness of water sustainability and responsible consumption. Second, a Corporate Master’s in Water Management, created in partnership with Intesa Sanpaolo, equips mid-level managers from utilities, manufacturing and finance with practical skills in infrastructure, circular economy, water law and digital transformation through both classroom and on-site training. Third, a Robotics Lab established jointly with the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) advances research and development in water-tech, supporting innovation for Acea and external partners alike. Bridging the €6.5 Trillion Water Infrastructure Gap: A Playbook 37

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