Across the EU, cities awarded as European Green Capital and Green Leaf and signatories of the Green City Accord are developing ambitious solutions to safeguard water resources, protect citizens from climate risks and secure sustainable access to clean water. From digital monitoring and circular water systems to flood prevention and community engagement, these cities demonstrate how local action can strengthen resilience in a changing climate. The following examples from Green Cities illustrate how they integrate innovation, participation and sustainability into their water management strategies.
Why water resilience matters for Europe’s urban future
Water resilience is essential for cities as climate change brings more frequent droughts, heavy rainfall and floods, putting increasing pressure on drinking water supplies, drainage systems and natural ecosystems. Ensuring resilient water management means protecting citizens from shortages and extreme weather, maintaining reliable access to clean, affordable water, reducing pollution and safeguarding biodiversity. It also supports public health, economic stability and urban liveability. As highlighted in the EU’s Water Resilience Strategy, strengthening water governance, investing in infrastructure and digital tools and adopting circular water practices are critical steps to securing Europe’s long-term sustainability.
Examples of water resilience in action
Guimarães – Managing water wisely and driving green innovation
Guimarães (Portugal) will be the European Green Capital during 2026. Its recent efforts on water management are emblematic of a broader green commitment. In the period 2017-2024, the municipality reduced water losses by 16% thanks to a comprehensive strategy combining leak detection, pressure management, infrastructure upgrades and a network of 195 supply zones under continuous monitoring.
Part of the strategy also includes circular water-use practices. For instance, water discharged from public pools is reused for street cleaning, and the city has expanded public drinking-water fountains to improve access and reduce reliance on bottled water.
Beyond water itself, Guimarães embeds these efforts in a wider environmental governance framework. Through its ‘Guimarães 2030’ roadmap – supported by the local ‘Landscape Laboratory’ and involving residents, academia and businesses – the city pursues integrated sustainability as part of the green transition, which covers energy and climate action, waste reduction, biodiversity protection and community participation.
Lyon – A long-term vision for sustainable drinking water
Lyon (France), Green City Accord signatory, has adopted a comprehensive strategy to secure its drinking water system through 2035. The plan places strong emphasis on protecting groundwater resources, modernising infrastructure and reducing water losses across the network. It also focuses on ensuring that the drinking water supply remains reliable and climate-resilient as weather extremes become more frequent.
A core element of Lyon’s approach is its commitment to public governance. By managing water as a common good and involving citizens directly in decision-making, the city aims to improve transparency, foster trust and encourage responsible water use. The strategy also aligns with broader environmental objectives, including land de-sealing and nature-based solutions to support natural recharge.
Ultimately, Lyon’s long-term planning provides a stable framework for investment, innovation and adaptation. It sets out clear targets for consumption reduction, infrastructure renewal and climate resilience, offering a strong example of how metropolitan regions can take a systemic approach to water management.
Vitoria-Gasteiz — Digital management for reuse and climate adaptation
Vitoria-Gasteiz (Spain), European Green Capital in 2012, is digitalising its entire water cycle to improve resilience and efficiency. Real-time monitoring and predictive modelling allow the city to better manage water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems, particularly in the face of changing climate conditions.
By modernising infrastructure and integrating data-driven decision-making, the city can quickly detect issues, reduce wastage and prevent contamination risks. These improvements support both operational efficiency and long-term environmental protection.
The project also encourages increased water reuse and a more circular approach to water resources. Through this forward-looking perspective, Vitoria-Gasteiz is preparing its urban water system for future climate pressures while improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Porto – Digital innovation to cut leaks and increase efficiency
Porto (Portugal), signatory of the Green City Accord, has transformed its water management system through extensive digitalisation and real-time monitoring. Hundreds of sensors, smart meters and data platforms enable the city to detect leaks quickly, plan predictive maintenance and optimise the distribution network. This significantly reduces water losses and ensures a more stable, efficient supply for residents.
A key feature of Porto’s model is its integrated digital twin, which simulates the behaviour of the entire water system. This helps the city anticipate problems, manage stormwater and wastewater more effectively, and improve service planning. By consolidating data across the network, Porto can operate with greater precision and resilience.
Thanks to this approach, supply interruptions and infrastructure failures have decreased, while resource efficiency has improved. Porto demonstrates how digital tools can modernise ageing urban systems and strengthen resilience in the face of climate stress.
Águeda – Local action for climate-proof water systems
Águeda (Portugal) will be European Green Leaf city in 2026. The Portuguese city implements a local integrated action plan that takes a holistic approach to climate adaptation and water sustainability. The city employs smart monitoring to better understand consumption and environmental conditions, enabling more informed decision-making and quicker responses to risks, such as flooding or water scarcity.
Nature-based solutions play a key role in Águeda’s strategy. Green corridors, permeable surfaces and improved stormwater management help reduce runoff, lower flood risks and improve local microclimates. These measures are complemented by circular practices, which promote more responsible water use.
Community involvement is central to the plan’s success. Schools, residents and local organisations contribute through awareness campaigns and hands-on activities. This shared responsibility strengthens the city’s long-term resilience and helps build a culture of sustainability.
Helsingborg – A circular wastewater system designed at the source
Helsingborg (Sweden), signatory of the Green City Accord and European Green Capital finalist in 2023, has taken a pioneering approach to wastewater treatment by separating household wastewater into three streams at the source: greywater, blackwater and food waste liquids. This system enables more efficient treatment methods tailored to each type of waste.
Greywater can be treated and reused more easily, while blackwater is processed to recover nutrients and energy. Meanwhile, food waste liquids can be turned into valuable resources such as biogas or fertiliser, supporting local circular-economy goals.
By redesigning wastewater systems from the ground up, Helsingborg reduces pollution, lowers energy use and enhances resource recovery. The initiative demonstrates that rethinking infrastructure design can lead to more sustainable, resilient urban water cycles.
Murcia – Turning wastewater into valuable resources
Murcia (Spain), Green City Accord signatory, has worked on nutrient recovery and shown how wastewater can become an important urban resource. By extracting nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from treated water, the city reduces pollution while producing valuable agricultural inputs.
This approach supports both environmental protection and economic sustainability. Instead of being lost to the environment, nutrients are transformed into fertilisers that can be used locally or commercially. This shift reduces dependence on imported materials and closes important resource loops.
Murcia’s circular approach to wastewater demonstrates the potential of innovative treatment technologies. It also highlights how cities can reduce environmental impacts while contributing to broader sustainability goals.
These examples show that European cities are not waiting for tomorrow’s climate challenges – they are acting today. Whether through digital innovation, circular wastewater systems, nature-based solutions or long-term governance reforms, European Green Capitals, European Green Leaf cities and Green City Accord signatories are demonstrating what water resilience looks like in practice. Their leadership helps build safer, greener and more climate-ready cities, inspiring many others to follow their path.
Find out more
Learn more about the Water Resilience Forum, organised by the European Commission in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. Bringing together policymakers, scientists, industry leaders and civil society, the forum will map out how Europe can achieve a water-resilient future by 2050. Sessions will focus on financing innovation, boosting industrial competitiveness through water resilience, digital transformation, upskilling and addressing urban water challenges – with online streaming available for all who wish to follow.
Join the growing community of environmental leaders and learn more about the European Green Capital award, European Green Leaf award and Green City Accord. The European Commission has officially opened the application period for the 2028 European Green Capital and European Green Leaf Awards. Cities committed to sustainability, resilience and citizen-centred transformation are encouraged to step forward and join this growing community of leaders. Apply by 1 April.
