le, although there are marked regional variations and the effects of climate change may challenge distribution. During the 1990s there were decreases in water abstracted for almost all uses in most parts of Europe, the decrease being most marked (30%) in the Central EU accession countries. However, in Southern Europe seasonal water shortages are becoming more acute as agricultural and tourist demand for water increases. The southern European countries have the most land under irrigation and are also among the most inefficient in their agricultural usage (Vecino and Martin, 2004). On average, 33% of total water abstraction is used for agriculture, rising to 50% and more in southern European countries. It is also these countries that have the greatest area of irrigated land, with an average usage of 7 000 n°/ha, which compares to figures of between 500 and 2 000 m /ha in other parts of Europe. By contrast, urban use accounts for some 16% of all water abstracted and industry 11%, with energy production (cooling) being the most extensive user of abstracted water. Per capita urban water use has shown a small decrease since 1990 although the actual amounts vary across Europe according to factors such as climate, the levels and efficiency of public water supply, water use habits and how water is paid for. Some of the falls in usage have been the result of an increased focus on water savings measures and the introduction of water charges and tariffs (e.g. Butler and Memon, 2006). However, loss of water from water systems remains a serious problem. Absolute water use has increased as a result of more people being connected to water supply systems through demographic changes, such as more households and increased wealth and standards of living. In Europe the percentage of the population connected to a public water system is generally over 90%, although there are regional differences. In Eastern Europe the proportion of urban households connected to piped water supply is generally over 80%, with coverage in the rural areas 