Eight UK water companies have come together to form ‘The UK Pavilion’, a collaboration to help represent the UK’s water industry at the International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress & Exhibition in Toronto, Canada between 11-15 August.
Alongside sponsors including Atkins Realis, Arup, Capgemini, Morrison Construction, Ofwat Innovation Fund, RSE, Scottish Government and WRC, the water companies – Anglian Water, Northumbrian Water Group, Scottish Water, Severn Trent, South West Water, United Utilities, Wessex Water, Yorkshire Water and British Water – will be highlighting issues at the forefront of the water sector’s agendas such as climate change adaptation, nature recovery and enabling resilient futures.
With thousands of leading water professionals and companies expected during the five day event, the water companies will be featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, case study demos and hosting multiple networking events and receptions to showcase UK innovation, providing a stage and opportunity to learn from others.
Alex Plant, Chief Executive of Scottish Water, said:
“I am delighted to be representing Scottish Water at this year’s World Water Congress in Toronto and we are excited to be picking up the baton for the next Congress in Glasgow, 2026.
“Working together to address the twin challenges of climate change and the nature crisis, our sector can be at the forefront of innovation and collaborative approaches to steer us to a more resilient future, safeguarding the interests of customers and the environment now and in the future. I look forward to meeting you all there.”
With the UK water industry leading the way with commitments on climate change such as Net Zero carbon by 2030, Peter Simpson, CEO of Anglian Water said:
“Collectively we have a profound responsibility to move the dial on climate adaptation, nature recovery and water security. This is not just about mitigating our impact; it’s about innovating and collaborating on a global scale to make sure we build a resilient and ecologically sound future, safeguarding the health, wellbeing and prosperity of generations to come.
“In Toronto, we have an opportunity to really move that dial – to continue the great work already happening through the IWA and on the back of COPs. There is no time to waste. We must grasp the nettle with both hands and use our time here to make a real difference.”
Lila Thompson, Chief Executive of British Water, said:
“British Water is delighted to be supporting IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. We see this as an opportunity to connect with international water practitioners, share knowledge and expertise on smart cities and showcase the latest technologies and solutions from the UK.”
This year, the IWA event will focus on the theme ‘Shaping the Water Future’, presenting opportunities for innovation and action across a comprehensive range of important topics. Water professionals and wider stakeholders will be brought together to secure progress on water in a unique global forum, allowing participants to network and to share insights and experience on the latest trends in best practice, innovative technologies and management approaches.
Participants will analyse, discuss and highlight solutions at high-level summits and case study presentations, with a focus on implementation and co-operation towards shaping the water future in a positive way.
For more information on the UK Pavilion or to get involved, visit https://theukpavilion.co.uk/
For more information on the congress itself, visit https://worldwatercongress.org/
