Tailored Professional Tribute

Denis Ballay

Distinguished Departed Pioneer

Professional background

Denis Ballay, (1944-2004) who graduated as a Civil Engineer from Ecole Polytechnic (1969) shared a lifelong commitment to water, sanitation and ww treatment provision in small communities and local agriculture-related industries in France.   Over his career, he had an extensive set of assignments working in numerous French provincial and national agencies.   

Initially, he led a team of engineers upgrading village treatment plants which progressed to his heading the “Hydraulics-Forests-Sanitation” department of the Seine-Maritime Directorate of Agriculture in Rouen.  He subsequently led the direction of Cemagref to provide scientific based policy in rural land water and environment.  

In 1992, the Minister appointed Denis as Director of ENGREF (National School of Rural Engineering of Water and Forests).   His leadership was pivotal to ENGREF’s success in setting new benchmarks in integrated rural water management. As water quality expert to the General Council of Rural Engineering, Water and Forests he cemented a life-long expertise of rural water management.  

Major Contributions to IWA

Denis’ work on standardization management of water and sanitation services in France expanded internationally with ISO224 leading to close ties with IAWPRC.  Denis was a significant contributor to IAWPRC activities from the late 1980s through the formation of IWA in 2000. 

As a leader in integrated catchment management, he championed these topics in the IAWPRC agenda.   The French water industry worldwide expansion made his perspectives on science, policy and water management well adapted to the IWA future.     

As Congress President for IWA’s inaugural 2000 WWC in Paris he delivered an extraordinary event.  He was a beacon of applied knowledge on the comprehensive management of the water cycle. His ability to demonstrate a work-life balance confirmed that he was a true leader. 

Authors: David Garman

Major Contributing Source on Professional Background: Daniel Loudiere, Journal of Water Science, 21-2, 2008