This article from Rzeczpospolita discusses the significant energy footprint associated with water services in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly as highlighted in a recent World Bank analysis. It notes that countries in these regions spend approximately 10% of their energy bills on water provision, a stark contrast to developed countries in Europe where this figure is more than five times lower. The article explores the reasons behind these discrepancies, including infrastructural inefficiencies and the mismanagement of water resources.

Furthermore, it delves into the primary causes of water losses in the region's water infrastructure, which significantly contribute to increased costs and lowered efficiency. The impact of maintaining artificially low tariffs for water services is examined, revealing how this practice undermines both energy efficiency and necessary investments in modernizing water infrastructure. Without proper funding, the existing systems become outdated, exacerbating the inefficiencies observed in water distribution and consumption.

In contrast to the negative trends seen in Central and Eastern Europe, the article points out successful energy savings and modernization efforts in countries like Uzbekistan, Albania, and Tajikistan. These examples illustrate the potential benefits of reforming water service systems, suggesting that with proper investment and management, significant energy savings and improved service efficiency can be achieved in the region. The findings call for a reconsideration of tarif structures and investment strategies to address the inefficiencies plaguing water services.