A Systemic View on Circular Economy in the Water Industry: Learnings from a Belgian and Dutch Case

Water is fundamental to our existence and has increasingly been put under pressure by soaring population growth, urbanization, agricultural farming climate change; all, of which impact the quantity quality water resources. utilities (WUs) are challenged provide clean, safe drinking when faced with aging, costly infrastructure, a price that not reflective its true value need for infrastructure remain resilient in time threats floods droughts pervasive. In linear take-use-discharge approach, wastewater treated only be returned waterways extracted again treatment before drinking. This can no longer sustain resources as it costly, energy-intensive environmentally unsound. Circular economy (CE) gaining attention industry tackle this. It follows 6Rs strategy reduce, reuse, recycle, reclaim, recover restore keep circulation reduce burden on natural systems. The aim this study determine what economic operational system effects CE WUs, informing them CE’s potential change their business operations model while highlighting associated challenges. Based review literature, input from expert interviews (Q4 2019) case studies, an view urban qualitatively modeled, top, circular designed using causal loop-diagramming mapping tool. Digitalization, reuse resource recovery were determined underpin circularity water, providing benefits through efficiencies diversification revenue streams. However, issues investment missing enabling legal framework slowing rate uptake. On basis, represents both challenge opportunity industry.