Free water industry seminars at IWEX 2003

The "International Year of Freshwater" in 2003 sees both international governments and commercial enterprises being urged to seek new initiatives to make best use of one of our most precious resources

The series of free topical seminars at IWEX 2003 (11-13 November, NEC), is designed to reflect both international and national issues and provide practical advice.

These free sessions will be open to all visitors and complement the long-established technical conference hosted by Cranfield University.

The opening seminar session, hosted by the Foundation for Water Research, is to take place on Tuesday 11th November will focus on the impact of global population growth and on meeting the needs of the environment.

The principal speaker will be Dr Kristalina Gorgieva, Director of the Environmental Department and Chair of the Environment Sector Board of the World Bank.

Dr Gorgieva is responsible for shaping the World Bank strategy and policies on the environment and will address "Global available water resources, challenges of the 21st Century and the possible solutions arising".

This will be of particular interest to the CEOs ofwater utilities.

Having explored the global situation, the implications for the UK and how the UK water industry can help overcome problems will be addressed by representatives of the UK government and industry-focused bodies.

Rowan Jagger, IWEX Conference Manager commented on this opening session, "Being mindful of the comments of the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, in his Millennium Report, that "no single measure would do more to reduce disease and save lives, than bringing safe water and adequate sanitation to all", we are delighted as part of our contribution to the "International Year of Freshwater", that Dr Georgieva will be participating in the seminar programme, to discuss how the international water community must work together to meet the challenges which lie ahead".

The opening session is part of the broader seminar programme, which will include multi-utility session such as UK Society of Trenchless Technology "Trenchless Technology as a Sustainable Tool" seminar chaired by Norman Howell of UKSTT.

This stream will cover the features and benefits of employing trenchless applications for both non-pressure and pressure pipeline installation.

With speakers from all sides of the debate including Subterra, JD Associates and Seven Trent Water, the stream will focus on three topic areas: "Sewer and Non Pressure Pipeline Installation and Rehabilitation using Trenchless Techniques"; "The Installation and Rehabilitation of Pressure Pipeline Systems using Trenchless Techniques"; and "A Clients Perspective on Utilities Construction".

The IWEX seminar programme continues over all three days of the show and also includes presentations on "Improving Utility Management Customer Service and Systems Operator" as well as sessions from other industry bodies to be announced shortly.

These will be focussing on the issues for industrial water users and water suppliers/multi utilities alike, and will address such topics as new technologies, collaboration, AMP4, sustainability, legislation/regulation.

In addition to the free to attend sessions, Cranfield University is staging a technical conference on the important subject of the stringent discharge consents demanded by AMP4 and the application of Biological Aerated (BAF) and Submerged Aerated (SAF) filtration technology to meet the demand for new processes required under the Water Framework Directive.

Rowan Jagger continued: "In structuring the seminar programme we have identified the hot industry topics and have recruited speakers to explain the implications and the solutions to our visitors".

The programme has technical and commercial content, and will highlight real business opportunities and benefits.

The full seminar and conference agenda is available on the website.

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