Rachna Sarkari
Membership Engagement Officer (Specialist Groups) - Strategic Programmes & Engagement rachna.sarkari [a] iwahq.org
IWA Specialist Groups (SG) cover a wide range of subjects and are one of the main mechanisms for like-minded IWA members to network and share knowledge. They form important engines for scientific and technical content development that drives innovations in the water sector. Spread across IWA’s membership in more than 140 countries, they are an effective means of international networking, sharing information and skills, and making professional and business contacts.
Given the evolution of the sector towards higher complexity and interconnectivity, Specialist Groups have become more interdependent to facilitate collaboration. Specialist Groups have their own programme of conferences as well as meetings and regular newsletters. Specialist Groups are supported by online tools, facilitating interaction amongst individual members and creating opportunities to generate ideas and pursue partnerships.
Being self-managed, each group is managed and functions slightly differently and in the way that best suits it. Every group, however, has defined internal rules supported by a constitution and functions within the context of a Partnership Agreement between the SG and IWA – these are not rule-based prescriptions of the ways in which the relationship will be maintained, but describe a range of reciprocal obligations.
The day-to-day work of each SG is overseen by a Management Committee and each SG decides upon the management structure that suits it best. Standard practice is to elect the positions of Chair and Secretary as a minimum (SG Leaders) and these elected officials form the group’s officers. The exact mechanism of election varies from group to group but is defined within the group’s constitution and according to guidelines defined by IWA.
IWA Members can join up to 51 Specialist Groups on IWA Connect Plus; when creating a profile on Connect Plus, you will be asked to choose your primary, secondary and tertiary SG according to your interests.
The Global Trends Report
The first two editions of the Global Trends and Challenges in Water Science, Research and Management (i.e., Global Trends Report) were published by The International Water Association (IWA) in 2012 and 2016, respectively, with the main aim of raising the profiles of the IWA Specialist Groups and visibility for expert members.
The 2012 edition included contributions from 25 Specialist Groups, the 2016 edition from 36 Specialist Groups and 2 Clusters. The reports drew upon the expertise of IWA’s Specialist Groups who had identified hot topics, innovations and global trends in water science, research and management that have an impact on solving global water challenges. A diversity of approaches was highlighted, from detailed technical and scientific aspects to more integrated ones.
The third edition of the Report was launched in September 2022 at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition (WWCE) in Copenhagen, Denmark. This edition is composed of three main themes: (1) Innovative Technologies; (2) Water and Health and (3) Resource Recovery and Circular Economy. Within these themes, contributions from a total of 28 IWA Specialist Groups are gathered.
The fourth edition will be launched at the IWA 2026 WWCE in Glasgow, Scotland. The call for content will be launched soon.
IWA Clusters
IWA Specialist Groups work on specific topics or in well defined areas, sharing in-depth knowledge among group members on that topic.
An IWA Cluster is formed to facilitate systematic “conversations” across IWA Specialist Groups, addressing crosscutting issues that are of relevance to individual Specialist Groups, but which extend across one or more Specialist Groups.
Clusters also reach out to external partners that are beyond the traditional water sector, for example, organisations such as the International Society of Microbial Ecology. Clusters can be tightly defined with a founding TOR to clearly establish its objectives, the topics to be addressed, its membership, way of working and its steering committee; or loosely defined to bring together closely related Specialist Groups to share plans and experience, and to foster cooperation and joint activities.
The topics and scopes of a Cluster are reviewed every five-year to ensure they are still doing relevant work for the water sector. There are currently four clusters: the Wastewater-based Epidemiological Surveillance Cluster, the Bio Cluster, the Resource Recovery Cluster, and the Nature-based solutions for climate-resilient Water and Sanitation management
SG Leaders Forum
Each SG is self-managed and led by a Management Committee which oversees the activities, events, and communication with the members of each SG. The leaders (i.e., Chair, Co-chair, Secretary) of each SG meet every two years on the occasion of the IWA WWC&E at the SG Leaders Forum. The Forum is one of the best opportunities for SGs to discuss and work together on facilitating networking and knowledge exchange mechanisms, allowing greater interaction, collaboration and better access to the networks’ knowledge and expertise, as well as strategic planning and implementation.
The SG Leaders Forum provides a unique face-to-face opportunity for the IWA SGs leaders to communicate with each other and also with the IWA Secretariat. During the SG Leaders Forum, SG Leaders have the opportunity to discuss issues relating to IWA strategies, exchange experiences on SG management and member engagement, and link with other IWA Communities and new initiatives.
Learn more about IWA’s 51 Specialist Groups
The Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) Specialist Group aims to propel understanding and innovation in the realm of Advanced Oxidation Processes, with a specific focus on water recycling and reuse. Its primary activities revolve around disseminating groundbreaking advancements, pinpointing critical research requirements, and nurturing robust collaborations among a diverse spectrum of stakeholders, including scientists, engineers, operators, and decision-makers. By serving as a nexus for interdisciplinary exchange and cooperation, the group aims to accelerate progress in addressing pressing challenges and unlocking new opportunities in the realm of water treatment and environmental stewardship.
The Specialist Group on Anaerobic Digestion (AD) serves as a global platform for activities concerning anaerobic conversion processes. Core focal points include: biogas (green energy) production, water treatment and reuse, solid organic waste treatment, resource recovery, anaerobic microbiology, reactor technology advancement, and novel wastewater process technologies. These concerns are pivotal for curbing water pollution, promoting water conservation through reuse, conserving fossil energy, and transitioning towards resource conservation. Anaerobic technologies play a pivotal role in resource recovery from wastewater and drive innovation in water treatment.
The Assessment and Control of Hazardous Substances in Water Specialist Group focuses on natural and anthropogenic substances, including nano particles, impacting human and environmental health. Core areas include analytical methods, occurrence, fate, and effects in water, sludge, soils/sediments, removal in treatment systems, risk assessment, and regulatory aspects. These efforts aim to reduce organic micro-pollutants, ensuring water quality and safety. Innovations target enhanced assessment of emerging contaminants and mitigation processes. An integrated approach incorporating various investigation methods is crucial for comprehensive ecological and human health assessment. This group fosters interaction, discussion, and knowledge exchange to advance technologies and address impacts effectively.
The BPA SG serves as a global platform for enhancing water service performance through discussions and advancements in assessment methodologies. Associated with IWA frameworks and AquaRating, it comprises practitioners, academics, regulators, and consultants. As water service evaluation grows in significance, tools development becomes pivotal for the group. Future demands for efficiency, transparency, and accountability will drive intensified use of performance assessment tools. The SG spearheads publications like the Manual of Best Practices on Performance Indicators and organizes biannual PI Conferences for global knowledge exchange. It fosters networking and development opportunities, ensuring continual improvement in water service standards.
The Biofilms Specialist Group facilitates scientific and technical discourse among researchers and practitioners in biofilm studies. It encompasses all aquatic systems hosting sessile bacteria and delves into the biological, chemical, and physical processes governing biofilm behaviour. As a forum for exchange, it bridges knowledge gaps and fosters collaboration in understanding and managing biofilms across various environments.
The Chemical Industries SG serves as a nexus for identifying water pollution concerns and devising technological solutions, focusing on industrial waste management, particularly in the chemical industry. Chemical manufacturing generates substantial wastewater with unique challenges for treatment and reuse, posing environmental sustainability issues. Effective management of toxic chemicals is imperative, with global initiatives such as Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers driving regulatory efforts. The group fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, promoting innovative water technologies and advanced regulations for cost-effective, sustainable solutions to address the evolving needs of chemical industries, ensuring environmental compatibility and future sustainability.
This Group aims to enhance the design, operation, and economics of large wastewater treatment plants, fostering knowledge exchange for improved sanitation, reduced resource consumption, and resource recovery. Key concerns include plant design, operation, reuse options, energy efficiency, optimization, sludge management, and meeting new effluent requirements. Transformative developments such as aerobic granular sludge and micropollutant elimination via PAC/ozone are focal points. The group hosts specialized conferences every four years, rotating between Vienna, Budapest, and Prague, providing a platform for researchers and practitioners to discuss advancements and promote the successful implementation of research findings in wastewater treatment.
Drinking water treatment plants confront diverse challenges, from emerging health risks to NOM removal and micro-pollutant treatment. This SG aims to foster networking and problem-solving through workshops and engagement with stakeholders like the American Water Works Association (AWWA). These efforts are vital for enhancing the resilience and effectiveness of drinking water treatment plants. Key areas of interest of the group include desalination, biological treatment, compliance, asset management, and emerging pollutants.
Diffuse water pollution poses a significant challenge to achieving water quality goals and preserving aquatic ecosystems. Managing these sources sustainably is crucial for preventing eutrophication amidst pressures from climate change, agriculture, and emerging pollutants. This SG focuses on quantifying pollution sources, developing control approaches, promoting sustainable practices like urban drainage systems, and adapting to climate change. Emerging areas include resource efficiency, sustainable food production, and monitoring new pollutants. Collaboration and innovation are key in addressing diffuse pollution’s complex dynamics and impacts on water management.
The Disinfection Group focuses on sharing and advancing knowledge related to disinfection in water, wastewater, and sludge. With public health and water security at the forefront of global concerns, effective disinfection is crucial for preventing disease transmission. However, challenges such as disinfection by-product formation must be addressed. The group aims to integrate disinfection technologies, retrofit processes to control by-products, maintain residual disinfectants, and design facilities for various water demands. Innovations include exploring disinfection in water reuse and utilizing physical barriers like membranes and UV irradiation. Collaboration is key for practical solutions, spanning academia, industry, and government, addressing global disparities in access to effective disinfection.
The Efficient Urban Water Management Specialist Group facilitates knowledge exchange and research on water management in urban areas, focusing on technological solutions for drinking water and wastewater systems. Topics include end-use efficiency, customer demand management, asset management, and environmental impacts. Practical solutions for utilities are emphasized, alongside stakeholder engagement. The biennial Efficient Conference serves as the primary forum, alongside strategic initiatives such as assessing international water efficiency actions, addressing background leakage, and exploring water use efficiency in the water-energy-food nexus. Collaboration and practical solutions drive the group’s efforts to enhance urban water management globally.
The Specialist Group aims to serve as a global platform for discussing new and innovative concepts in environmental engineering education. In the upcoming months, there will be a review and potential revision of the group’s scope to ensure alignment with evolving educational needs and emerging trends in the field of environmental engineering. Get involved!
The Forest Industry Specialist Group recognizes the pivotal role of forests in water management, emphasizing their contribution to water quantity and quality regulation, erosion prevention, and climate change adaptation. As stewards of forest resources, the group seeks to maximize forest benefits while conserving water resources. Specifically focusing on the pulp and paper industry and emerging biorefinery sector, the group organizes symposia and workshops, facilitating the dissemination of scientific and technical insights to IWA members. Key topics addressed include water use efficiency, effluent treatment, receiving water impacts, and wastewater challenges in evolving biorefinery technologies.
Groundwater resources are integral to global water supply, serving potable, industrial, agricultural, and ecological needs. However, they are often overlooked in management, leading to unsustainable exploitation and contamination. The IWA Groundwater Management Specialist Group provides a vital platform for interdisciplinary discussions on groundwater use, management, and protection worldwide. Over the next four years, the group aims to mobilize water utilities for urban groundwater management, emphasize groundwater storage for climate resilience, integrate groundwater into Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), enhance urban groundwater monitoring, and regulate large-scale private groundwater use in developing cities. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the sustainability and security of groundwater resources.
The HRWM Specialist group conducts research on health-related water microbiology, addressing pathogenic microorganisms’ impact on public health. Core issues include pathogen research, microbial indicators, risk modeling, disinfection, and antimicrobial resistance.Important efforts are devoted to wastewater-based epidemiology and the establishment of safety standards for sustainable treatments and water reuse. Future focuses include water scarcity, reuse, and sustainable treatments. Key transformational topics involve cost-effective pathogen detection and metagenomics. Biannual symposia facilitate interaction among researchers, with student involvement. Conferences, organized in various countries, feature workshops with global significance, often in collaboration with the World Health Organization.
The Hydroinformatics SG aims to redefine the relationship between stakeholders and water systems, ensuring valid and user-friendly results. It revolutionizes hydraulics and hydrology by entering the market for water management solutions. Objectivity is key, achieved through user involvement and hypothesis testing. This fosters rational negotiation and trade-offs. It integrates various factors, including social and economic aspects, promoting collaboration. Hydroinformatics synergizes ICT with water studies, offering global solutions. Ongoing efforts include organizing conferences, publishing findings, and addressing hydroinformatics challenges worldwide.
The Institutional Governance and Regulation SG emphasizes the crucial role of institutions, governance, and regulation in achieving sustainable water use. It spans various aspects, including water resource management and service delivery like urban water supply and sanitation. Priorities include defining institutional arrangements, enhancing governance structures, and regulating water resources and services effectively. Topics encompass water rights, wastewater management, tariff policies, and drinking water quality. The group aligns its efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals, recognizing water’s cross-cutting impact. Outputs aim to advance mechanisms for achieving these goals, reflecting the importance of institutional frameworks in water management.
The scope of the ICA-SG is to provide the monitoring and control tools needed to meet current and future technology innovations for the water and wastewater industries. The methodologies are used to monitor and control unit processes, plant behaviour or large systems involving networks, plants and receiving waters. Activities of the IWA-SG include sharing of research, practical experience, case studies, management problems, operator challenges and integrated solutions of these systems through webinars, conferences, publications and much more. Join us now!
Intermittent Water Supply (IWS) systems, common in many regions, pose challenges for consumers who rely on storage or endure wait times. IWS may result from water scarcity or network issues, impacting water quality and service equity. The Intermittent Water Supply Specialist Group (IWS-SG) aims to transition utilities to continuous supply or increase supply hours sustainably, aligning with SDG 6. Through structured programs, the IWS-SG identifies solutions and disseminates knowledge globally, addressing the adverse effects of IWS on health and finances at international events and through publications.
Water stands as a critical natural resource, profoundly affecting human and ecosystem health worldwide. Despite mounting evidence of deteriorating water quality, especially in rapidly developing regions like the Asia-Pacific, advancements in understanding water processes offer hope for solutions. The SG addresses the need to integrate lake and reservoir management with water treatment processes. Key topics include the recent successful tests of side stream supersaturation (SSS) which offers promise for improving hypolimnetic oxygen levels and suppressing sediment releases. Interdisciplinary approaches are key to addressing these challenges effectively.
The IAHR/IWA Specialist Group on Marine Outfall Systems aims to advance the science and technology related to coastal wastewater discharges, considering design and environmental impacts. By fostering collaboration among diverse disciplines such as oceanography, engineering, biology, and economics, the group addresses complex challenges in outfall design and siting. Integrating expertise from both IWA and IAHR, the group bridges gaps between wastewater treatment and fluid mechanics, facilitating comprehensive solutions for sustainable coastal wastewater management.
The IWA Membrane Technology Specialist Group (MTSG) convenes leading experts worldwide in membrane technology, an advanced water treatment process with diverse applications. Membranes offer unparalleled protection for public health in drinking water treatment, cost-effective desalination, and innovative solutions for water reuse. As these technologies are relatively new, collaboration among experts is essential for their development and widespread adoption. With global population and industrial growth driving increased demand for water treatment, membranes play a crucial role in providing safe drinking water, desalination, and effluent reuse solutions, benefiting communities worldwide.
This SG aims to enhance control and minimize environmental impacts of metals in drinking water. Objectives include fostering knowledge exchange, promoting best practices, assessing control measures’ impacts, and encouraging collaborative research. Core issues include minimizing metal leaching from plumbing, managing naturally occurring metals, treating pollution-induced contamination, addressing aesthetic concerns in distribution systems, and managing metals in small or scarce water supplies. Key activities of the Group are newsletters and the sharing of publications such as the two Best Practice Guidebooks on arsenic control and managing metals in small supplies.
This SG aims to advance the rational engineering of open microbial systems in the water cycle using emerging technologies and concepts in microbial ecology. Through research, dissemination, and collaboration with practitioners worldwide, MEWE addresses critical water sector challenges. The current focus includes understanding microbial diversity’s role in water systems and fostering industry collaboration for innovative solutions. MEWE supports links between IWA and ISME and collaborates with related specialist groups, such as the Biofilm SG. The group also presents the Ardern-Lockett award and it is involved in the WBE Surveillance Cluster.
The Modelling and Integrated Assessment Specialist Group (MIA SG) aims to advance water system management through modelling, simulation, and integrated assessment methods. It encourages knowledge transfer between academia and industry, fostering interdisciplinary discussions within the IWA. Task Groups (TG) and Working Groups (WG) address emerging topics such as design and operations uncertainty, physico-chemical modelling, and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions. Initiatives like benchmarking control strategies and promoting good modelling practices enhance efficiency and transparency in wastewater infrastructure. Additionally, the MIA SG promotes collaboration on integrated urban water systems, computational fluid dynamics, and life cycle analysis to optimize water management strategies.
The IWA Nano and Water specialist group (SG) facilitates discussion and research on the application and implications of nanotechnology in water treatment. It aims to stimulate research and provide information on the environmental and health aspects of nanomaterials, foster knowledge exchange, promote nanotechnology development for water treatment, and monitor nanotechnology advancements in other fields. Nanomaterials offer novel solutions for contaminant removal, microbial control, and resource recovery, potentially revolutionizing water treatment. However, the group also addresses concerns regarding their potential impact on human health and the environment, advocating for responsible development and application.
This SG focuses on advancing sanitation technologies beyond traditional models. These innovative systems aim to treat human waste at the source, incorporating water-sensitive design and smart technology. The group aims to generate, share, and disseminate knowledge worldwide to improve sanitation service provision sustainably, aligning with SDG target 6.2. Key areas of focus include data collection, capacity building, technical advancements, governance reform, behaviour change, and effective communication. Group activities include organizing workshops, conferences, and promoting knowledge exchange through various platforms to support the development and implementation of innovative sanitation solutions globally.
The Nutrient Removal and Recovery (NRR) Specialist Group focuses on cutting-edge research in nutrient removal and recovery technologies for wastewater treatment. Key areas include biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal, deammonification processes, nutrient recovery, biomass maintenance, microbiological identification, operational control, and mathematical modeling. By prioritizing resource-efficient technologies, the group aims to promote environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment practices globally. Special emphasis is on autotrophic nitrogen removal via deammonification, particularly at low temperatures.
The Odour and Volatile Emissions Specialist Group addresses sustainable management of environmental odours and air emissions, involving professionals from various sectors. Together, we exchange strategies, approaches, experiences, and innovations in odour control, sampling, measurement, and biofiltration. Our group provides expertise and collaborates on initiatives to mitigate odours and air emissions from municipal, industrial, agricultural, and waste management activities, promoting environmental sustainability and public health.
The Particle Separation Specialist Group (PSSG) is dedicated to advancing the science and technology related to aquatic particles in water and wastewater treatment. Specializing in solids removal, particle removal processes, particle characterization, and particle transport, the PSSG addresses critical aspects of water treatment. With a focus on the increasing importance of small particles, the group organizes specialist conferences biennially to facilitate international knowledge exchange and showcase practical examples.
The Public and Customer Communications Specialist Group emphasizes the importance of effective communication in water management, aiming to engage stakeholders and build trust. By sharing methods and tools, the group enhances customer satisfaction, supports investment in infrastructure, and promotes sustainable practices. It serves as a platform for exchanging best practices within the water sector and supports other Specialist Groups in improving communication. An emerging focus is on leveraging ICT tools like social media and smart meters to enhance public engagement and improve services, transforming the way water issues are addressed globally.
The Rainwater Harvesting and Management Specialist Group focuses on addressing water challenges through effective rainwater management. Our initiatives promote community-based solutions to mitigate flooding, drought, and pollution while enhancing resilience to climate change and urbanization. By implementing innovative techniques such as dual water systems and hybrid solutions, we aim to overcome limitations like seasonal variation and costs. Through workshops, awareness campaigns, and international collaborations, we advocate for the widespread adoption of rainwater harvesting to create sustainable water systems and resilient communities. Join us in shaping the future of water management through rainwater harvesting innovations.
The Resources Oriented Sanitation SG promotes sustainable sanitation systems emphasizing nutrient reuse through source separation. It encompasses various technologies, from high- to low-tech, decentralised to centralised solutions. Emphasising the concept of “resources-oriented sanitation”, the group aligns with definitions by Sustainable Sanitation Alliance and ecological sanitation. Recognising that operational failures hinder benefits to health and environment, the SG advocates for additional user incentives. By focusing on safe reuse of human excreta and wastewater products, and implementing tools like Sanitation Safety Planning, the group aims to ensure long-term operation and sustainability of sanitation systems.
This SG adopts a comprehensive approach, focusing on water supply, sanitation services, and river basin management integration. Using regional focal points and a bottom-up strategy, it addresses challenges like inefficient water management and inadequate sanitation in Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Despite persisting issues and limited access to sustainable solutions, the group remains optimistic. Committed to sustainable development, it continues efforts to overcome obstacles and improve conditions, working towards a future where all communities have access to reliable water and sanitation services.
The Sludge Management SG addresses global challenges in sludge treatment, emphasizing resource recovery. It advances knowledge and shares expertise on all aspects of sludge management, promoting anaerobic digestion, thermal processes, and co-digestion for biogas and phosphorus recovery. Viewing sludge as a renewable resource, the group tackles emerging challenges like stricter regulations for agricultural use. Activities include developing innovative thickening and dewatering technologies. With sludge treatment costs a significant part of wastewater expenses, the group aims to optimize processes and promote sustainable solutions worldwide.
The Small Water and Wastewater Systems Specialist Group focuses on water and wastewater systems serving individual homes, clusters of houses, or communities. It advocates for localized systems to promote recycling and reuse of wastewater, thereby closing water and nutrient cycles. The group believes that adopting localized systems is essential for providing water and sanitation to the global population, enabling community participation in system management. Recent advancements in package systems for water supply and waste treatment are widely accepted worldwide. The group hosts international conferences to discuss advancements and share knowledge, fostering innovation in water and wastewater management.
The Statistics and Economics Specialist Group serves as a platform for discussing all statistical and economic topics in the water industry, such as financing, water tariff structures, performance measurement, microeconomics analysis, and efficiency management. Annual workshops and seminars, along with publications, facilitate information sharing on fundamental and practical issues. Every four years, the group hosts the International IWA Conference on Water Economics, Statistics, and Finance. By collaborating with other IWA Specialist Groups, it aligns with the association’s strategic goals. The group conducts worldwide surveys to provide water industry statistics, enabling comparisons on abstraction, consumption, tariffs, and regulations globally, fostering debate and informing decision-making in the water sector.
The Strategic Asset Management Specialist Group focuses on ensuring the sustainability of urban water services through comprehensive infrastructure planning and management. Key priorities include implementing ISO 55000 standards to drive continuous improvement and addressing communication challenges in asset management within the urban water sector. By emphasizing long-term strategies and considering financial, organizational, and information management aspects, the group aims to meet stakeholders’ needs and expectations effectively over time, contributing to the overall sustainability of urban water services.
The Sustainability in the Water Sector SG focuses on promoting and supporting sustainable water use, encompassing economic, social, and environmental considerations. Current projects include leading a Task Group on Sustainable Use of Water by Industry, organizing an innovation conference on urban, industrial, and agricultural water issues, and publishing a book on industry’s sustainable water use. Additionally, the group facilitates presentations and workshops at IWA conferences, publishes articles in IWA journals, and develops an online Global Guidebook on Workforce Sustainability for wastewater utilities. These efforts aim to advance sustainable practices in the water sector worldwide.
The Sustainable Coastal and Estuarine Development specialist group aims to advance the global application of coastal reservoirs and tidal basins technologies to enhance water and energy security while ensuring the sustainability of coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Objectives include promoting these technologies worldwide, developing sustainable restoration methods, creating manuals for design and operation practices, researching environmental and ecological aspects, organizing conferences and webinars, advocating for adoption, and launching a new IWA Journal on “Sustainable Coastal and Estuarine Development.” These efforts contribute to the responsible development and management of coastal and estuarine areas.
The IWA Specialty Group for Tastes, Odours, and Algal Toxins in Drinking Water Resources and Aquaculture addresses factors affecting human perception and aesthetic qualities in drinking water and aquaculture products. Professionals aim to mitigate environmental stresses on water sources, such as climate change and contamination, which lead to unwanted tastes, odours, and algal toxins. They work to identify causes, implement treatments, and assess consumer satisfaction to ensure safe and desirable water quality. Through collaborative efforts and public awareness, the group seeks to protect water resources and public health for sustainable and safe water management.
The SG focuses on tackling the challenges of water-intensive industries in the sourcing, utilisation, management, and treatment of water, recognising the wide variety of water qualities required and produced within these industries. Water-intensive industries encompass the extraction industry (e.g., mining), the manufacturing industry (e.g., food processing, chemical, steel, and paper), and the energy industry. The Group’s focus extends to the company’s water usage at the (production) process level, its constituents and energy, with the ultimate goal to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge. The Group’s activities address the pressing current challenges faced by water-intensive industries, including water abstraction in water-stressed regions, application of advanced techniques for the removal, destruction and recovery of constituents, (production) process integration to optimize resource usage, and implementation of industrial symbiosis.
The Urban Drainage SG focuses on advancing research and innovation in urban drainage, transitioning towards sustainable green, blue, and grey infrastructure. Addressing urban rainfall, stormwater management, and sewer systems, the group aims to optimize water use while mitigating climate impacts. With global urbanization increasing demands on water services, urban drainage plays a critical role in the urban water cycle. The UDSG collaborates with IWA in broader urban water management efforts, organizing conferences to showcase deliverables and advance knowledge exchange.
The Wastewater Pond Technology SG advocates for the use of waste stabilization ponds (WSP) in wastewater treatment. Our efforts include coordinating studies on full-scale and pilot-scale WSP systems, developing international methodologies for monitoring and evaluating performance, and identifying research needs for WSP development. We also facilitate technology transfer and integration of WSPs with other treatment processes to meet sustainability objectives such as green energy and social acceptance. Membership is open to all IWA members interested in advancing wastewater pond technology. Join us in promoting sustainable wastewater treatment with WSPs.
The Specialist Group on Water in Ancient Civilizations aims to uncover ancient hydro-technologies worldwide. We evaluate and preserve these technologies and leverage them to develop sustainable modern water and wastewater systems. By studying the past, we inspire innovative solutions for present water challenges. Through awareness-building, policy research, and advocacy, we integrate ancient wisdom into contemporary water management practices. Join us in exploring the past to shape a sustainable water future.
The Water Loss Specialist Group focuses on reducing treated water losses, primarily from underground leaks in water mains and service pipes. It advocates for accurate measurement of water entering the system to identify losses, shifting from “Unaccounted For Water” to “Non Revenue Water.” Through a top-down approach, it guides utilities in strategic loss reduction efforts. Emphasizing accurate flow measurement and pressure monitoring, the group offers a strategic plan to minimize losses. It emphasizes the importance of precise data to effectively locate and mitigate leaks, challenging the use of percentages for measuring progress.
The Water Reuse SG (WRSG) plays a vital role in promoting water reuse through international and regional events, publications, and technical guidance documents. It emphasizes successful projects and innovative tools while fostering an international knowledge network. By highlighting water reuse’s role in integrated water resources management, the WRSG aims to enhance quality of life worldwide. Additionally, it advocates for energy savings in the water cycle by promoting efficient water recycling. Moreover, the group nurtures young professionals to become future leaders in water reuse through its Young Water Reuse Professionals program.
The Water Safety Planning SG aims to disseminate practical knowledge in implementing Water Safety Plans (WSPs) to key stakeholders involved in providing safe drinking water. This includes water suppliers, regulatory authorities, health organizations, and the wider international water community. A major goal is to promote WSP implementation in small water supply systems. Over the coming years, the group will focus its activities on achieving this goal. Additionally, collaboration with IWA will be pursued to expand WSPs beyond utility and user boundaries, involving new stakeholders to meet the stated objectives.
The Water Security and Safety Management SG focuses on developing water resilience, particularly in large cities, to ensure sustainable access to quality water amidst population growth and climate change challenges. Active security involves human response and operational procedures, while passive security relates to infrastructure resilience and maintenance. Technology plays a crucial role, along with governance and interdependent urban networks. Case studies and post-disaster reports will be analyzed and promoted to enhance preparedness and mitigate potential disasters, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures in achieving water security.
This SG aims to promote integrated catchment management for sustainable water use worldwide. This involves sharing expertise, organizing conferences, and undertaking projects on topics such as hydrology, ecosystem health, water quality, and climate change impacts. Emphasizing whole-system management, the group advocates for an integrated approach to address challenges like floods, droughts, and urban water management. It also recognizes the importance of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus and the use of continuous data collection and remote sensing for effective water management in the face of growing challenges and big data.
The Wetland Systems for Water Pollution Control SG focuses on advancing wetland technology worldwide. It emphasizes understanding wetland interactions and promoting innovative applications for water quality improvement. The group advocates for integrating wetland systems into broader water pollution control efforts, providing guidelines for design and operation. Wetland systems offer cost-effective solutions with added environmental benefits like biodiversity enhancement and urban green spaces. Recent conferences and collaborations demonstrate the group’s commitment to promoting wetland technology as a sustainable and resilient approach to water management.