Water is a vital resource that underpins both the environmental health and economic stability of the EU. Within the EU, water resource administration is governed by a well-established legal framework that emphasises integrated water management, environmental protection, and cross-border cooperation. The EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) (abbr. WFD) is the cornerstone of EU water policy, setting ambitious objectives to achieve ‘good status’ for all water bodies across Member States by 2027 by promoting sustainable water use, reducing pollution, and managing water resources at the river basin level.1 This directive, alongside other supporting regulations and directives, forms the backbone of water governance across the Member States. The WFD represents a significant shift from traditional water management approaches, promoting integrated water resource management (abbr. IWRM) at the river basin level, transcending political and administrative boundaries. However, the effectiveness of water conservation efforts across the EU varies widely due to the diverse legal, administrative, and governance structures of its Member States. While the WFD provides a unified policy framework, its implementation is subject to national interpretation, leading to varying degrees of success in achieving water conservation goals. Complementary directives, such as the Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) and the Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC), further strengthen the regulatory framework for ensuring water quality, mitigating flood risks, and ensuring public access to clean drinking water.