Throughout history, people have settled and built their cities near rivers or lakes. In most cases, rivers carry clean water and drain pollution. Along with the growth of cities, their needs for clean water and the volumes of discharged polluted water are also increasing. During the Middle Ages, most European rivers flowing through cities served as a sewer system. After the beginning of industrialization in the 18th century, pollutants from industry began to flow into the rivers. People who do not have access to wells have to get water from the river - a difficult daily task that is performed mainly by women and children.

Sewage spills on the streets and increased population density are causing very rapid spread of diseases that could severely affect the city, devastating both its population and its economy. Ensuring healthy living conditions in the city means having a healthy workforce, which is a key prerequisite for economic prosperity. In view of this, investments in the public water supply system not only address health concerns arising from water pollution, but also reduce economic losses due to labor-related diseases, as well as freeing up time for people. set aside for carrying water.

The water supplied to a public water supply system must be of a higher quality than that of any other sector, which must be responsible for drinking, cooking, showering and cleaning clothes and utensils and storage containers. For domestic use in Europe, there is an average of 144 liters of fresh water per person per day, of which recycling, re-meet or desalinated drivers are offered. This amount is almost three times the scientifically determined amount needed to meet human needs.

Competent authorities and water companies may adopt different approaches, including water pricing policies, promoting the use of water-saving devices or conducting educational and awareness-raising campaigns. A combination of measures such as pricing policies that stimulate water savings, activities to reduce leakage losses, the installation of water-saving devices and more efficient household appliances can help save up to 50% of the extracted water.