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A Closer Look at the Kemira Water Index 2025

In a recently released study by Kemira, a leader in sustainable chemical solutions, critical insights into global water resilience and consumer readiness were unveiled. The Kemira Water Index 2025 explores vulnerabilities in various regions, particularly concerning how communities might react if access to clean drinking water were suddenly compromised due to extreme weather events, outdated infrastructure, or toxic contamination.

Red Flags Raised in Water Resilience

The study surveyed a significant number of respondents across Europe and the United States, revealing that 91% express concerns about extreme weather impacting their local areas. A staggering 85% believe their communities need to do more to prepare for floods, while 84% feel there should be improved management for droughts and future water shortages. Alarmingly, 62% of respondents have personally experienced water-related issues like flooding (20%), drought (16%), or total loss of water service (12%). Despite these pressing concerns, only 5% of those surveyed indicated they have a comprehensive emergency plan or backup water supply in place for their households.

Survey Findings and Concerns

The Kemira Water Index highlights several key points where public awareness and preparedness need significant enhancement. For example:

• - The overwhelming majority of individuals (91%) are worried about climate change, with rising global temperatures being the leading concern.
• - Over half of the respondents (53%) believe their regions are ill-prepared to face climatic challenges.
• - In their direct experiences, many have dealt with serious distress related to water access, indicating a pressing need for better infrastructural support and emergency preparedness.

These concerns are not unfounded, as 40% of respondents in North America and 39% in Europe are particularly worried about bacterial and viral contaminants affecting their water supply. Issues like PFAS - known as “forever chemicals” - are a growing concern, with 22% of Americans and 27% of Europeans deeming them a significant threat.

Water Usage and Management Practices

The study further explores how water usage behaviors vary across different cultures and regions. In the U.S., only 26% of those surveyed trust their tap water as the primary source for drinking, contrasting sharply with 70% of Europeans who prefer drinking tap water. It appears that while households are making efforts to conserve water - with 91% implementing at least one conservation practice - there remains a widespread lack of knowledge on effective water management.

For instance, many householders adopt simple conservation techniques, such as turning off the tap while brushing their teeth (65% in Europe, 49% in the U.S.), but a concerning 36% do not even monitor their water consumption. European respondents tend to use tap water more frequently for cooking (86%) and for cleaning (77%) compared to Americans (68% and 58% respectively). American participants also show a higher tendency to use tap water for pet care (39%) and gardening (35%).

Government Role and Public Perception

The government plays a pivotal role in sustaining water resilience through regulations, effective planning, and public awareness campaigns. Despite the considerable anxiety over water-related risks, the preparedness level among households is strikingly low, with only 7% of Americans and a mere 4% of Europeans having a detailed plan for water emergencies. There is a widespread sentiment among respondents that government initiatives must be improved, particularly regarding flood preparedness (47%) and drought management (46%).

Notably, a significant majority (77%) of respondents are in favor of stricter regulations on industrial water use. However, opinions diverge when it comes to enforcing mandatory water efficiency standards for appliances, with only 69% of Europeans supporting it, whereas 66% of Americans oppose it.

Final Thoughts

The Kemira Water Index 2025 emphasizes an urgent need for immediate action from both government and consumer ends to bolster water resilience against climate change and other pressures. Countries like Norway showcase strong resilience due to effective future-focused investments and planning. Yet, neglecting water systems leads to increased risk exposures for communities. As highlighted by Tuija Pohjolainen-Hiltunen, Senior VP at Kemira, the task at hand requires collaboration among utility companies, governments, and consumers alike to secure and manage water resources wisely for generations to come.

For further information on the Kemira Water Index 2025 or to access the report, visit kemira.com/water-index-2025.

About Kemira

Kemira is a leading global provider of sustainable chemical solutions aimed at water-intensive industries, committed to helping industries transition to sustainable practices.

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This study serves as a clarion call for governments and consumers to reflect on their roles in water conservation and infrastructure investment as we face an uncertain environmental future.