Kemira Water Index 2025: A Call for Action
New international study led by Kemira identifies where communities may struggle with water access amidst increasing environmental challenges and aging infrastructure.
- 91% of surveyed individuals across Europe and the US express serious concerns regarding extreme weather impacts in their area.
- 85% believe their regions need to boost preparedness measures for flooding occurrences.
- 84% of respondents feel there's a need for better planning to address future drought issues.
- A significant 62% report having faced water-related problems, with flooding at 20% and drought at 16%.
- Only 5% confirmed they have a comprehensive emergency water supply plan.
HELSINKI /KEMIRA/ -- Kemira, recognized as a leading provider of sustainable chemical solutions for water-intensive sectors, has published the Kemira Water Index 2025. This comprehensive report integrates global research alongside expert insights, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced water security strategies, specific to regions grappling with climate and water-related challenges.
The Kemira Water Index ranks 10 European nations and 10 US territories by their water resilience, utilizing 21 carefully chosen metrics analyzed from over 300 data sets. This critical insight allows stakeholders, including policymakers and utility firms, to identify secure water sources, assess readiness, and pinpoint the communities most at risk.
Key Insights into Water Resilience
As concerns about climate change continue to rise, the survey results from the Kemira Water Index reveal significant public apprehensions about water safety and accessibility.
- An overwhelming 91% of subjects share concerns regarding climate change, with rising temperatures being a primary worry for Americans (54%) and Europeans (59%).
- Over half (53%) believe their locales are ill-equipped to handle climate-related hurdles.
- Importantly, 62% have encountered water issues firsthand, and many advocate for better preparations for flood (85%) and drought (84%) conditions.
- Top worries surrounding water contamination are centered on bacteria and viruses, affecting 40% and 39% of Americans and Europeans, respectively.
- Moreover, concerns regarding PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', are prevalent among 22% of Americans and 27% of Europeans.
Water Management Practices
The study also delves deeply into water usage behaviors that vary by region, revealing a widespread but somewhat misguided belief in conservation.
- Only 26% of surveyed Americans trust their tap water as a primary drinking source compared to 70% of Europeans.
- Although 91% claim to have adopted some water-saving practices at home, more than one-third (36%) lack any monitoring of their water usage.
- Common conservation efforts include turning off water when brushing teeth (65% in Europe vs 49% in the US) and taking shorter showers (52% in Europe vs 41% in the US).
- Interestingly, more Americans utilize tap water for pet care and gardening than their European counterparts.
Government Role in Water Resilience
The findings underscore the critical role governments play in ensuring water safety and resilience across communities.
- Despite expressed water risk concerns, only 7% of Americans and 4% of Europeans say they have a robust water preparedness strategy.
- Approximately half of surveyed individuals across both continents believe government efforts need to step up in flood and drought preparedness.
- Moreover, a strong majority (77%) advocate for implementing stricter regulations regarding industrial water use.
- It's noteworthy that while a majority of Europeans support mandatory water efficiency standards in household appliances, a significant portion in the US disagrees.
Investment in Water Infrastructure
The Kemira Water Index 2025 illustrates how timely investments and planning, especially in countries like Norway, lead to better water resilience outcomes.
- Despite acknowledging the necessity for infrastructural investment, only 17% of Europeans and 27% of Americans rated their local regions highly.
- Additionally, consumer willingness to pay higher water bills for quality is low, with only 11% of Europeans and 22% of Americans showing interest.
- However, the report indicates over half of respondents in both regions support strong governmental requirements for water-saving features in new constructions.
“Utilities are continuously challenged to manage evolving regulations while investing in necessary technology improvements,” stated Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, Executive Vice President at Kemira. She emphasized the importance of collaboration among governments and utilities to proactively address these issues and protect one of our most critical resources.
For further details on the Kemira Water Index 2025 and to access the complete report, please refer to their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Kemira Water Index 2025?
The Kemira Water Index 2025 is a report that evaluates the water resilience of various regions based on extensive research and consumer insights.
Why is the Kemira Water Index important?
This index highlights the urgent need for effective water management strategies as climate challenges intensify and infrastructure deteriorates.
What does the recent study reveal about community preparedness?
The study shows that there is a significant lack of preparedness among individuals, with many lacking detailed plans for water emergencies.
How did the survey assess water concerns?
The survey assessed concerns relating to climate change, contamination, and the effectiveness of local water management practices.
What can consumers do to contribute to water conservation?
Consumers can adopt practices such as monitoring their water usage, utilizing tap water wisely, and supporting policies for better water management.
