Inclusivity, resilience, and circular economy of water services: Embracing a sustainable water future

Worldwide population growth and economic and urban development, combined with climate change, stress social inequalities at multiple levels. Water services are services of general economic interest and utility subject to public-service obligations. Despite their importance, several threats loom over these services and may constrain their delivery. Thus, there is a requirement to achieve persistent, adaptable, and transformable water systems, as well as to ensure that these services are accessible opportunities for all segments of the population while promoting the elimination of waste and pollution, the circulation of products and materials, and the regeneration of nature. This special issue of Utilities Policy on ‘Inclusivity, Resilience, and Circular Economy of Water Services’ aims to be a foothold toward an improved approach to water services by gathering different perspectives and insights from different stakeholders (e.g., regulators, water utilities, and customers) and disciplines (from law to engineering). The output will undoubtedly facilitate a process for devising more effective approaches to sustainable water services, guaranteeing our water future.