Water infrastructure crisis in Czech Republic and Slovakia

Water infrastructure in the Czech Republic and Slovakia is facing critical challenges due to aging networks and significant water loss.

In the Czech Republic, approximately one in seven liters of drinking water is lost before reaching consumers. In 2025, physical losses totaled 83.7 million cubic meters. While some small waterworks report losses exceeding 30%, the overall renewal rate is extremely slow; only 0.41% of the network is replaced annually, meaning a full renewal would take over 240 years.

In Slovakia, the investment debt for water infrastructure has exceeded 10 billion euros. The Supreme Audit Office (NKÚ) has warned that infrastructure in some areas is up to 70% worn out. While major companies show wear levels between 42% and 54%, smaller municipal waterworks face even more severe conditions. Many municipalities lack the necessary funds to repair or build new networks, risking the long-term security of drinking water supplies.