13 October, 2016 Brisbane – The International Water Association (IWA) has awarded Rand Water from South Africa the Project Innovation Award – Grand Award. A non-profit public utility based in Gauteng, Rand Water won the prestigious award for their innovative “Water Wise” campaign, aimed at informing communities about conserving water resources, and reducing water consumption, during a period of severe drought in South Africa.

“This award is clear recognition by an international panel of judges of the excellence and innovation of the Water Wise education programme. The award will inspire the Water Wise team, part of South Africa’s Rand Water. Rand Water and the Water Wise team are delighted and grateful for the award, which comes at a time when we are experiencing a severe drought in the country,” said Hamanth Kasan, General Manager, Rand Water.

The IWA Project Innovation Awards are now in their tenth year. They are a prestigious global competition and the winners have been selected for their innovation and excellence in water management. They highlight innovative and practical solutions to global water challenges. To win an award, a project must improve efficiency, and provide real economic and health benefits throughout the water cycle.

“The water sector is facing unprecedented global challenges. Urgent and innovative action is necessary to ensure that a sustainable water future. The drought that is still gripping South Africa is one such challenge. The only way to take better advantage of limited water resources is by changing people’s attitude and their behaviours so that water is used more wisely. Rand Water are innovating how to do this, and are setting a successful example to other water utilities,” said Ger Bergkamp, Executive Director, the International Water Association.

The Project Innovation Awards were held during the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition in Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday 12 October, 2016. The winners were announced at an award ceremony at Rydges, South Bank, Brisbane.

ENDS

The International Water Association Project Innovation Awards are sponsored by

NAGAOKA International Corporation, one of the world’s leading engineering and profile wire screen manufacturing firms; and GHD, one of the world’s leading professional services companies operating in the global markets of water, energy and resources, environment, property and buildings, and transportation.

For more information please visit: www.iwa-network.org/iwa-project-innovation-awards/

About the International Water Association

The International Water Association is a unique, global knowledge hub for water professionals and anyone concerned about the future of water. It has sixty-year heritage connecting water professionals worldwide to find solutions to the world’s water challenges as part of a broader sustainability agenda. As a non-profit organisation with members in more than 130 countries, the IWA connects scientists to practitioners and communities so that pioneering research delivers sustainable solutions. It further fosters technological innovation and drives best practice through international frameworks and standards. https://iwa-network.org