The new international edition of the Kemira Water Index 2025 highlights significant weaknesses in water resilience across Europe and the United States. The study warns of poor preparation for crises, aging infrastructure, and limited public awareness about how to adapt to increasing water-related risks.
The report, developed by the Finnish chemical company Kemira, analyses the perceptions and behaviours of more than 10,000 people in ten European countries and ten U.S. states, combining survey results with over 300 data sources and 21 performance indicators.
Source: Kemira
Its conclusion is clear: despite widespread concern about climate change and water scarcity, public preparedness and investment in infrastructure remain far below what the climate emergency demands.
Kemira’s findings reveal that citizens’ awareness of water issues does not translate into real action. Across both continents, water resilience is undermined by a lack of contingency planning, insufficient funding, and an aging system of water networks that are increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather, droughts, and pollution.
Lack of preparation and limited culture of prevention
According to the study, only 5% of respondents globally have an emergency plan or access to an alternative water source for their household. This lack of foresight contrasts sharply with the high level of concern: 91% of people surveyed said they worry about extreme weather phenomena in their region, and 62% have personally experienced water-related problems such as flooding (20%), drought (16%) or a complete loss of service (12%).
Kemira warns that water resilience depends not only on technology or public policy, but also on citizens’ capacity to anticipate risks. The absence of household or community contingency plans, the report notes, can “turn into a systemic risk” when infrastructure fails or demand exceeds capacity.
This gap between environmental concern and practical action is also reflected in behaviour. Although most respondents report taking at least one measure to conserve water, more than a third admit they do not monitor their household consumption. Nearly half say they are unfamiliar with the term water resilience, a lack of knowledge that hinders the adoption of sustainable habits and broader public participation in managing the resource.
Source: Kemira
Investment shortfalls and new risks
The study also highlights the deterioration of water infrastructure, a common issue across both continents. Only 17% of Europeans and 27% of Americans positively rate their local water networks. Confidence in public planning is equally low: 84% of respondents believe their region should improve its preparations for droughts and shortages, while 85% say more needs to be done to protect communities from flooding.
Despite this, willingness to contribute financially remains limited. Barely 11% of Europeans and 22% of Americans would be willing to pay more for a more secure and resilient water supply. Kemira identifies this as a major obstacle: the combination of aging infrastructure, limited investment capacity, and low tolerance for higher tariffs threatens the long-term sustainability of water systems.
The report also points to emerging contaminants, such as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” as a growing but underestimated risk. Fewer than one in three respondents identified these substances as a major concern, despite their increasing detection in rivers, aquifers, and drinking water systems. Kemira stresses that addressing these pollutants must become a priority in national treatment and monitoring strategies. While concerns about bacteria and viruses remain higher — reported by around 40% of respondents — chemical contaminants pose long-term health and ecological threats that are often overlooked by the public.
A call for coordinated action
The Kemira Water Index 2025 underlines that water resilience cannot depend solely on crisis response. It requires long-term planning, collaboration between governments, utilities, and citizens, and stable investment models that renew aging infrastructure, reduce losses, and improve operational efficiency.
Nordic countries such as Norway, Sweden, and Finland stand out in the ranking for their proactive approach to planning, public trust, and sustained investment — examples of how a long-term vision translates into greater resilience.
As climate pressures intensify, the report concludes that the world cannot afford to delay action. Without comprehensive strategies that link technology, governance, and public participation, both Europe and the U.S. risk facing the next decade with increasingly fragile water systems.
