Pilot tests are performed to test the implementation of the European Water Stewardship (EWS) standard on-site in different sectors, to:

• Further develop the EWS with focus on its applicability on-site and its appropriateness of contents.
• Evaluate the on-site performance of the pilot organization, regarding the sustainability of its water management, according to the evaluation scheme.

Finalized pilots

EWS pilot testing has been broadly performed in the sectors industry and agriculture, covering various sectors, different climate types and regions and different levels of water risk. of which detailed outcomes are presented in referring summary reports:

Industry:

• First round of pilot studies: Pilot Studies Industry 2010.
• Second round of pilot studies: Pilot Studies Industry 2011.

Agriculture:

• First round of pilot studies: Pilot Studies Agriculture 2011.

Pilots in progress

Small and middle-sized entities (SMEs) who participated in these first EWS pilots, have strongly suggested developing a group certification scheme, which should facilitate their access to the EWS audit. The on-site applicability of this newly developed group certification scheme shall soon be tested on-site.

As well in news sectors EWS’ applicability needs to be tested. New pilots are ongoing!