Water Futures Mobilizing Multi Stakeholder Action for Resilience 2025

Support the development of and innovation in circular water systems, energy-neutral solutions and secure water supplies. This focus area underscores the urgent need voiced by stakeholders to develop a new generation of circular solutions that can progressively replace the current “clean, use and dispose” water technology and infrastructure models, which are linear and based on 19th- century paradigms. However, circularity alone may fall short: the principle must be combined with a clear understanding of the water-energy nexus, opportunities provided by data, and behavioural change to ensure that water systems contribute to global decarbonization and the stability of the hydrological cycle. Importantly, circularity is an approach based on three design-driven principles: –Eliminate waste and pollution. –Circulate products and materials (at their highest value). –Regenerate nature.57Consultations for this report highlighted efforts to improve and scale-up water circularity in agriculture, industry and urban settings. These include recycled water in buildings, water reuse, rainwater harvesting and desalination systems, which aim to reduce water footprints and diversify water sources through interconnected innovations. Although the technology for these solutions exists, challenges in regulation, investments and infrastructure, as well as the lack of available information or data can hinder large-scale adoption, highlighting the need for government support and data-driven approaches. Unlocking this opportunity lies in applying water circularity at all scales – from toilets and appliances to buildings, neighbourhoods and towns – and ensuring the water-energy nexus, powered by data, is a core factor in designing, operating and maintaining water infrastructure at all levels. Government support can drive circular water systems through adaptive regulations and appropriate incentives for investors and operators, with innovations playing a key role in future water security. Innovations can aim for an energy-neutral water cycle and leverage digital technologies such as digital twins and nanotechnology, while addressing adoption barriers such as data, standards and safety concerns. Circularity alone may fall short: the principle must be combined with a clear understanding of the water- energy nexus. Focus area 1 Mainstream circular water Focus area 1 – Mainstream circular water FIGURE 4 Wastewater treatment Water treatment Agricultural use Domestic and commercial useIndustrial use Water Futures: Mobilizing Multi-Stakeholder Action for Resilience 13