At the opening of the 9th Cairo Water Week last month, World Water Council President Loïc Fauchon urged governments, utilities and industry stakeholders to embrace a new approach to water management centred on demand reduction, resource efficiency and greater reuse.

Warning that mounting climate pressures, population growth and urbanisation are placing increasing strain on water resources, Fauchon argued that traditional strategies focused primarily on expanding water supply are no longer sufficient.

“For too long we have prioritised supply; the time has come to proactively manage demand,” he said, calling for what he described as “a new doctrine for water use” built around the principles of preserving resources, reserving water for future needs and ensuring access for communities and economies.

The Council identified several technologies and practices that could help strengthen water security, including wastewater reuse, desalination, groundwater management and interregional water transfers. Fauchon described wastewater reuse as one of the most significant opportunities for expanding available water resources, particularly for agricultural and industrial applications.

He also highlighted the need for a new generation of water storage infrastructure that balances water security, energy generation and environment. Egypt was cited as an example of ongoing investment in water projects, including facilities that combine wastewater treatment, water reuse and energy production.

Beyond supply-side measures, the Council stressed the importance of improving efficiency. Priorities include reducing distribution losses through digital leak detection technologies, expanding the deployment of water-saving solutions and reassessing the water footprint of agriculture, industry and tourism.

Food loss and waste also emerged as a key concern. According to Fauchon, around 40 per cent of food produced globally is never consumed, representing a significant waste of both water and other resources.

Looking ahead, Fauchon reaffirmed the organisation’s support for “hydrodiplomacy” and cross-border collaboration on shared water resources, while highlighting preparations for the 11th World Water Forum, scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in March 2027.