The European Environment Agency (EEA) has released a report which shows that water-scarcity it being counteracted by an over reliance on groundwater and surface assets.

It suggests water should be priced according to the volume used and leakages in public supply systems should be addressed.

Despite bio-energy crops being produced with the best intentions, the report advises that these should be avoided wherever possible in areas of water scarcity.

EEA executive director Jacqueline McGlae explained that something has to be done to avoid running into real problems with lack of supply.

“We are living beyond our means when it comes to water,” she said.

“We have to cut demand, minimise the amount of water that we are extracting and increase the efficiency of its use.”

Last week saw the fifth World Water Forum taking place in Istanbul, Turkey.

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