The International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto is quickly approaching with less than one month to go. As preparations continue, Morrison Construction, part of the Galliford Try Group, are thrilled to share their knowledge and expertise as a key player highlighting the importance of both environmental and social sustainability within the UK water industry.

United Utilities are excited to be a part of the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition in Toronto this year. Being in the midst of developing our business plans for the next 5 years and with Glasgow being chosen to host the IWA conference in 2026, it is a great time for the UK water sector to showcase the industry leading innovations and capital projects it is embarking on, whilst also opening the floor for discussions on the current challenges we face and challenges that may be on the horizon.

This eBook serves as a guide for leaders looking to navigate these challenges. Each section addresses a specific challenge and provides real-world solutions and case studies from leading companies such as Cadent Gas, Openreach, Northumbrian Water, Wales & West Utilities and Severn Trent.

As a woman hailing from Newcastle upon Tyne, with a background in chemistry and a fervent commitment to equality in the waterindustry, my journey has been one of both challenge and triumph. The intersection of my education, my city, and my values has shapeda unique perspective on the role of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The International Water Association (IWA) is to bring its 2026 World Water Congress & Exhibition to the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) inGlasgow, following a collaborative bid that included the venue, VisitScotland, Glasgow Convention Bureau, and its ambassadors in IWAUK.

Hosted at the Metro Convention Centre in the heart of Toronto between 11-15 August 2024, the UK water sector is proud to becollaborating on a pavilion space to showcase the best of our industry and knowledge share with our colleagues around theworld.

As we prepare for the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto this year, RSE is excited aboutthe future, particularly welcoming the 2026 IWA Congress in Glasgow. The Toronto event offers a valuable opportunity to showcase theUK’s pioneering water technology and set the stage for Glasgow, highlighting the advancements and innovations our country brings tothe global water sector.

Over the past decade the UK water industry have been responding to the climate challenge, assessing the risks this presents us, and building resilience to climate change into our business and investment plans for key priorities such as flood alleviation and water resources. But the climate threat is accelerating – we are seeing more extreme events globally and locally.

Project Leads for this year’s UK Pavilion Lorraine Bruce (Scottish Water) and Gemma Woods (Anglian Water) met halfway this week inthe historic city of Durham for a workshop to progress plans for the event in Toronto taking place 11-15 August 2024.

Nature-based solutions (NbS) offer a sustainable and innovative approach to addressing environmental challenges by harnessing theinherent capabilities of natural processes and ecosystems. These solutions are increasingly recognised for their dual benefits:enhancing biodiversity and providing critical ecosystem services. By integrating natural elements into modern infrastructure, NbScontribute to water purification, flood mitigation, climate adaptation, and improved human well-being. As we face escalatingenvironmental and societal pressures, adopting NbS becomes not just beneficial but essential for creating resilient and sustainablecommunities.

At the Global Water Summit in London last week, I was stopped by an American utility representative who was curious about what theUK is renowned for. Our banter touched on icons like Queen and deep-fried Mars bars (both of which I highly appreciate), but hisastonishment peaked when we delved into the impressive water statistics of the UK.

Collaboration can be challenging, but last week at our collaboration day it was a breeze. The UK Pavilion working group met in person inLondon for the first time, with the expert guidance and facilitation of Capgemini’s ASE team. The day was not only productive, but alsofun, dynamic, and creative – with unexpected activities that took me back to my nursery days… Oh hello Play-doh.