How Czechs manage water: four out of five households save, but systemic solutions are still missing

Water consumption? We don't monitor it much

In connection with climate change and more frequent periods of drought, the long-term availability of drinking water is becoming an increasingly discussed topic. It is still relatively cheap and easily accessible in the Czech Republic, and this is one of the reasons why Czechs do not treat water as carefully as this precious resource deserves. According to the Wavin Czechia survey, nearly half of households do not monitor their water consumption at all. Only one-fifth of respondents cite regular checks, and one-third monitor it only occasionally.

"Despite the fact that Czechs still take water for granted, approximately 80% of households have implemented at least some savings measures, the most common being shorter showers (51%), purchasing water-saving appliances (32%), or installing water-saving faucets or aerators (31%)," says Barbara Kotulánová from Wavin Czechia, noting that savings are currently taking place more at the level of daily habits than at the level of systemic solutions.

Investments remain on the back burner

The data further indicates that the transition from partial measures to systematic solutions, such as separate supplies of drinking and utility water, the use of rainwater throughout the household, or the replacement of outdated piping, is primarily hindered by investment decision-making. A total of 41% of households are considering investing in water-saving technologies, but only 7% plan to make this investment in the coming year. Another 34% plan to invest but are postponing it indefinitely, while 32% do not plan to invest at all.

The willingness to invest does not depend on the region or the size of the municipality, but is primarily determined by economic factors. Most often, it is about the expected cost savings, concerns about future water shortages, and the possibility of obtaining subsidies.

"Most people realize that water is a key resource for the future, but a real step towards savings is usually prompted only by an external circumstance – whether it is a renovation, rising prices, or direct experience with water shortages. Without such an impulse, investments in modern technologies often remain at the level of theoretical considerations," comments Barbara Kotulánová.

Pipe material: important but overlooked

Seven out of ten Czechs consider the material of the water supply pipes to be important for the quality of drinking water. Nevertheless, one-third of households (32%) have no idea what their pipes are made of. In larger cities, this ignorance rises to 40%. Almost a quarter (23%) also do not know the age of their pipes.

In practice, plastic pipes prevail (45%), followed by combinations of materials (15%), and older metal pipes still supply water to 8% of households. Experts are clear on this: plastic pipes are used by more than 80% of plumbers and designers.

The technical condition of the networks remains a peripheral issue for most Czechs. Only 22% of respondents have ever considered replacing pipes. Meanwhile, 37% of households in the country have pipes that are 10 to 30 years old, and another 9% use pipes older than 30 years. In practice, replacement usually occurs only in the event of a failure or major renovation.

"The quality of drinking water does not start only at the source. The pipe through which it flows has a crucial influence on it. Older metal pipes can be loaded with deposits, corrosion, or the release of undesirable substances. Modern plastic materials minimize these problems and help maintain stable water quality and long-term reliability of the system," warns Barbara Kotulánová.

Rainwater: a standard in the countryside, untapped potential in cities

Forty-eight percent of Czech households make use of rainwater, from simple barrels to complex systems. However, the differences are striking: in municipalities with fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, 82% of households utilize rainwater, while in large cities with over 100,000 inhabitants, only a quarter do. Regionally, the Olomouc Region leads with 70%, while Prague lags behind with 23%.

Experts are significantly ahead in this regard: 82% of designers and 74% of plumbers actively use rainwater.

"Rainwater represents a simple and accessible way to reduce drinking water consumption. While it is already a common part of management in the countryside, its potential remains underutilized in cities," says Barbara Kotulánová, adding: "Municipalities and developers play a key role here, as they should consider rainwater when planning projects."

Dual supplies: a logical step that has yet to arrive

The collection of rainwater should naturally be followed by other measures, such as separating drinking and utility water in households. However, this is often where the transition to more systematic solutions halts. This technology typically enters households during renovations or the construction of new homes, not as a standalone investment.

Only 14% of households use separate supplies of drinking and utility water. They are most prevalent in small municipalities (21%) and are somewhat more common in Bohemia (16%) than in Moravia (13%). Experts are again ahead: 32% of plumbers and 17% of designers use separate supplies, approximately double compared to the general population.

"Separate supplies are not a technological novelty, but rather an underutilized standard. Where they are implemented, they can significantly reduce drinking water consumption and increase the efficiency of the entire water management system," explains Barbara Kotulánová from Wavin Czechia.

Conclusion: a systematic approach pays off

The data from the Wavin Czechia survey shows a consistent pattern: Czech households recognize the problem, but an external impulse is necessary for a solution. Moreover, the interconnection of individual measures - from monitoring consumption to utilizing rainwater to dual supplies - makes the most economic and technical sense when planned in advance. Timely preventive measures are significantly cheaper than emergency repairs or additional installations of systems.

For more information, visit: https://wavin.com/cz/blog/vysledky-pruzkumu-jak-cesi-hospodari-s-vodou.

About the survey

The questionnaire survey conducted by Wavin Czechia in February 2026 involved both the general public and experts from the ranks of designers and plumbers. There were a total of 830 respondents. The aim of the survey was to identify the real barriers and motivations of Czech households in the area of water management and to map current investment trends in the Czech market.