Either we rethink how we use water or we threaten the availability. Even though there is overall enough water to meet the world’s growing needs, it is necessary to make changes in how water is used, managed and shared. The EU-funded AquaSPICE project will increase awareness in resource efficiency. It will also deliver compact solutions for industrial applications, including water treatment and reuse technologies, and closed-loop recycling practices. The project will also develop a cyber-physical-system controller including a system for real-time monitoring, assessment and optimisation of water use and reuse at different interconnected levels. The overall approach is based on the adaptation of technologies and practices – from a single industrial process to an entire industry.