Countdown begins for Glasgow to host the professional water world

The UK moved centre-stage in the global water world last week, when the baton for hosting the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress was formally handed over from Toronto to Glasgow.

Thousands of delegates from 108 countries gathered in Canada last week to exchange knowledge on advancing solutions to the world’s most pressing water challenges. With the theme of ‘Shaping our water future’, the event had particular relevance to the climate change agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The next World Water Congress will be held in 2026 in Glasgow, with Anglian Water’s former chief executive Peter Simpson as president. Eight British water companies, together with a host of supply chain companies and Ofwat, came together to form a UK Pavilion in Toronto, in preparation to host the summit on home soil in two years time.

Elsewhere at the Congress last week, the IWA awarded Michigan State University’s Professor Joan Rose with its highest accolade, the Global Water Award, for her outstanding contribution to wastewater surveillance understanding. In particular, the IWA said her work on water reuse, pathogen removal, the source tracking of pathogens, and climate and waterborne diseases has contributed to international understanding of the impact of water quality on health.

Eighteen winners took home Project Innovation Awards, recognising global excellence and innovation in water management, research and technology. The overall Global Grand Innovation Award went to the Committee of China Concept Wastewater Treatment Plant and CSD Water Service Company, in recognition of the China Concept Wastewater Resource Facility. The IWA said this has boosted local water resilience, supports agriculture with nutrient-rich soil, and serves as a model for sustainable wastewater management globally. Details can be found at: https://iwa-network.org/press/global-best-in-water-projects-announced-at-iwa-2024-project-innovation-awards/

• See the September edition of The Water Report for a fuller report of the World Water Congress.