As part of World Water Week held this week in Stockholm, Sweden, six water/wastewater industry experts presented a seminar on Tuesday, September 7, that explored future sustainable solutions to the world's water problems.
The seminar focused on how creating successful, sustainable solutions depends on anticipating the most efficient and effective ways to overcome social, financial or environmental hurdles. It also explored the role of energy management, reuse, desalination and advanced technologies for infrastructure and treatment improvements.
James Clark, vice president for Black & Veatch’s global water business, moderated the seminar. Other presenters included:
- Dr. Giulio Boccaletti, expert associate principal with McKinsey & Company
- Dr. Ruediger Knauf, vice president of research and development for Siemens Water Technologies
- Paul Street, director of sustainable solutions for Black & Veatch’s global water business
- John Williamson, president of ITT Water & Wastewater
Boccaletti's presentation pointed out the challenge facing the world in meeting its need for water is large - if nothing is done, demand for water in 2030 will outstrip current supply by 40 per cent. He also showed that the old approach, focused on supply-side interventions, is unlikely to be enough to solve the problem.
Knauf's presentation addressed the role of technology and service providers in leading the effort to achieve total water management with highest resource efficiency and lowest environmental impact. Knauf discussed integrated solutions for water treatment, reclamation and re-use based on six innovation platforms in order to achieve this holistic approach.
Street's presentation emphasised how the water/wastewater industry is unique in having the potential to produce much of its own energy.
However, there is currently a wide variation in the efficiency of energy and natural resource use by the industry. He recommended that industry leaders urgently work together to maximize the great opportunities for holistic and integrated solutions that exist at the nexus of water and energy.
Williamson discussed three key trends that will help propel the water and wastewater industry forward. Integration, he says, is leading to a consolidation of different technologies into single, value-added solutions. This, in turn, is helping lead to a convergence of industry focus.
Williamson also discussed the potential to accelerate innovation and access to advanced technology through a decentralisation of decision making in regards to water quality and delivery.
