The water sector faces a generational challenge: Over the next 20 years, around €800 billion must be invested to maintain water supply and wastewater services at their current quality and to adapt networks and facilities to climate change. A VKU study shows that annual investment needs will rise by a factor of four. The reasons: aging infrastructure and new requirements. The sector is entering a second investment cycle – while competing with other sectors for scarce funds. At the same time, expectations for sustainability, digitalization, and resilience are rising. Without timely investment, risks to supply security and environmental standards will increase. We want to discuss why the treasure beneath our streets now needs political and public attention and how municipal utilities, local authorities, and policymakers can act together.

Paneldiscussion:

• Franz-Xaver Kunert, Verbandsgeschäftsführer Wasserverband Bad Dürrenberg
• Ulrike Franzke, Vorständin StEB Köln
• Thomas Straßer, CVA (EACVA e.V.), Wirtschaftsprüfer, Steuerberater | Partner Becker Büttner Held, Vorstand BBH AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
• Moderation: Marcel Fälsch, VKU