Effective economic regulation of water services plays a central role in how water and wastewater services are priced, operated and financed. Strong regulatory frameworks help protect users, ensure sustainable service provision and create the right conditions to attract much‑needed investment. Many countries are reforming their regulatory systems, yet, evidence on which institutional models deliver the strongest outcomes remains limited.

In the lead up to the 2026 UN Water Conference, there is growing interest in how smarter regulation can address social and territorial inequalities, build resilience and unlock investment in the water sector.

What evidence is needed to strengthen regulation? Can peer learning and better sharing of lessons learned based on documented evidence suffice? Or is there a need for broader international initiatives to support countries in reforming their regulatory systems?

Ahead of World Water Day, this OECD Green Talks LIVE webinar on 18 March 2026 from 15:00-16:00 CET discussed these questions. OECD Environment Water Team Lead Sophie Trémolet presented OECD insights on economic regulation at global and national levels, followed by a panel discussion with government experts, regulators and financiers on how stronger economic regulation can contribute to mobilising investments for water. The talk was moderated by Kumi Kitamori, Deputy Director of the OECD Environment Directorate.