HYDROUSA water loops in the context of the EU and international policy (including Innovation Deal)

This report helps policymakers understand how Nature-based Solutions for water treatment (HYDROUSA regenerative water loops) can be replicated and scaled in Europe, particularly in rural and decentralised contexts. It analyses the EU policy, regulatory, governance, and financing landscape, identifying barriers and gaps that affect small-scale water systems. While no major legal obstacles are found, challenges remain around fragmented regulation, cost-effective compliance, and limited support for decentralised service models. The report provides guidance to strengthen enabling frameworks, improve governance and monitoring, and support wider deployment of circular water solutions.

Francesco Fatone, Anna Laura Eusebi, Giulia Cipolletta, Cagri Akyol

f.fatone@staff.univpm.it

Policy cycle stage: Design / Implementation