Biography

Heinz Tessendorf

Distinguished Pioneer

Professional background

Heinz Tessendorf (1931-2021) was the technical managing director of Berliner Wasserbetriebe, responsible for drinking water supply and wastewater treatment in the City of Berlin. He studied Civil Engineering and got his Ph.D. in 1962 at the Technical University of Berlin. He started his professional career at Berlin Water Works in 1961. Since 1971 he was the technical managing director of Berliner Wasserbetriebe. Beside his international engagement, Heinz Tessendorf was very active in German associations. He was a board member (1972-1998) of the German Association for Wastewater (ATV) and president (1984-1987) of the German Association for Water and Gas (DVGW).

Major Contributions to IWA

Heinz Tessendorf has been very active throughout his whole career in national and international organisations, believing that the knowledge exchange will bring new insights for his work in Berlin. He was a thoughtful leader of different committees in the International Water Supply Association (IWSA). He was elected as president of IWSA at the World Congress of the association in Copenhagen in 1991 for the two-year-period until 1993. In recognition of his strong leadership and his profound support of the international corporation between national and international associations Heinz Tessendorf has been awarded with an honorary membership from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the International Water Supply Association (IWSA). During his time as president (1983-1985) of the European Federation of National Associations of Water Services (EurEau) he was very instrumental in improving the co-operation between IWSA and EurEau.

Author: Norbert Jardin, Germany