Session themes

CITIES, UTILITIES AND INDUSTRIES LEADING CHANGE

Water security, as defined by the UN, is central in the transition towards a sustainable water future. World urbanism rapidly changing, at different paces and with variable challenges such as the lack of basic sanitation, water stress or climate change induced risk. The future of the urban water cycle depends on the joint efforts of cities, utilities and industries leading change.

RE-CHARTING THE COURSE OF WATER RESOURCES

Water resources are a key enabler for societal development. It is imperative to improve resource resilience through institutional and technological development. Alternative water schemes such as direct potable reuse and fit for purpose must be enforced to overcome water stress and regenerate over-exploited ecosystems. Meanwhile, the urban water cycle must transition from a linear service to a valuable source of energy, nutrients, and materials. This change of profile in the water industry creates new business models while mitigating the sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

ENABLING PROGRESS WITH GOOD GOVERNANCE, SUSTAINABLE FINANCE AND ICT

The processes in the water sector are shaped by governance structures, sustainable finance and access to decision making based on data. Adopting good governance-based decision making is essential to reduce blind spots while contributing to the more efficient implemen- tation. In parallel, the challenge of having tariff structures that are simultaneously sustainable for the utilities, but affordable and equitable for costumers demands constant knowledge exchange. At the same time, access to better ICT is rapidly changing water management.

WATER QUALITY, SAFETY AND HUMAN HEALTH

Water supply and sanitation systems primary objective is to promote human health. Societal advantages of access to clean water are essential and must be promoted beyond the sector. While ensuring basic access to water and sanitation, the sector must ensure that new contam- inants are being assessed and controlled and that water quality is well monitored and adapted for each use. Future water quality management requires the global acknowledgment that water standards for human consumption are different than standards for irrigation and cooling.

WATER & WASTEWATER PROCESSES & TREATMENTS

Leading research is being undertaken to optimise wastewater treatment processes and to create innovative technologies for better systems. Safe and sustainable management of wastewater and derived bio-solids (sludge) is a global concern with local specificities. As nutrient removal, membrane technology and desalination became full-scale options, the ef- fectiveness of these solutions is a major topic in the field.

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