Stockholm Seminar Focused on Sustainable Water Technologies

As part of World Water Week held this week in Stockholm, Sweden, six water/wastewater industry experts presented a groundbreaking seminar on Tuesday, September 7 that explored future sustainable solutions to the world’s water problems.

Approximately 120 people attended the seminar, which focused on how creating successful, sustainable solutions depends on anticipating the most efficient and effective ways to overcome social, financial or environmental hurdles. In addition, the seminar explored the role of energy management, reuse, desalination and advanced technologies for infrastructure and treatment improvements.

Sponsors of the seminar, titled "The Future of Global Water Technologies,” were Black & Veatch’s global water business, ITT Corporation, Siemens Water Technologies and the Water Environment Federation (WEF).

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 & Development for Siemens Water Technologies
• Mr. Paul Street, Director of Sustainable Solutions for Black & Veatch’s global water business
• Mr. John Williamson, President of ITT Water & Wastewater

Dr. 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%. He also showed that the old approach, focused on supply-side interventions, is unlikely to be enough to solve the problem. However, he also pointed out that closing the gap will be possible, and at reasonable cost, provided all sectors of the economy contribute.

In Dr. Knauf’s presentation, he 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. Dr. Knauf discussed integrated solutions for water treatment, reclamation and re-use, based on six innovation platforms, in order to achieve this holistic approach.

Mr. Street’s presentation emphasized 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.

Finally, Mr. Williamson discussed three key trends that will help propel the water and wastewater industry forward. Integration, he explained, 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. Mr. Williamson also discussed the potential to accelerate innovation and access to advanced technology through a decentralization of decision making in regards to water quality and delivery.

Following the four presentations, a moderated panel discussion further explored the issues raised by the speakers. In addition to the speakers, the panel included Mr. Jerry Johnson, General Manager and CEO of Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, Laurel, Md., USA.

This year marked the 20th anniversary of World Water Week. Among the sponsors of Stockholm World Water Week were Black & Veatch, ITT, Siemens and WEF. ITT, Siemens and WEF are among the Founders of the Stockholm Water Prize; and ITT is a global sponsor of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

For further information, please contact Lori Harrison for WEF at 703-216-8565 or lharrison@wef.org or Jenny Schiavone for ITT at 914-641-2160 or jennifer.schiavone@itt.com.

About Stockholm World Water Week

The World Water Week in Stockholm is the annual meeting place for the planet’s most urgent water-related issues. Organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), it brings together 2500 experts, practitioners, decision makers and business innovators from around the globe to exchange ideas, foster new thinking and develop solutions. The theme for the 2010 World Water Week in Stockholm was "The Water Quality Challenge – Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement.”

The Stockholm event is a unique opportunity to reach decision makers, opinion leaders, and constituencies in many fields, while demonstrating to them our commitment to sustainable development, the environment, and poverty reduction. It is pivotal to one of the most urgent international issues – the rapidly growing water crisis. www.siwi.org

About Black & Veatch

Black & Veatch is a leading global engineering, consulting and construction company specializing in infrastructure development in energy, water, telecommunications, management consulting, federal and environmental markets. Founded in 1915, Black & Veatch develops tailored infrastructure solutions that meet clients’ needs and provide sustainable benefits. Solutions are provided from the broad line of service expertise available within Black & Veatch, including conceptual and preliminary engineering services, engineering design, procurement, construction, financial management, asset management, program management, construction management, environmental, security design and consulting, management consulting and infrastructure planning. With $2.7 billion in revenue, the employee-owned company has more than 100 offices worldwide and has completed projects in more than 100 countries on six continents. www.bv.com

About ITT Corporation

ITT Corporation is a high-technology engineering and manufacturing company operating on all seven continents in three vital markets: water and fluids management, global defense and security, and motion and flow control. With a heritage of innovation, ITT partners with its customers to deliver extraordinary solutions that create more livable environments, provide protection and safety and connect our world. Headquartered in White Plains, N.Y., the company reported 2009 revenue of $10.9 billion. www.itt.com

About Siemens

The Siemens Industry Solutions Division (Erlangen, Germany) is one of the world's leading solution and service providers for industrial and infrastructure facilities comprising the business activities of Siemens VAI Metals Technologies, Water Technologies and Industrial Technologies. Activities include engineering and installation, operation and service for the entire life cycle. A wide-ranging portfolio of environmental solutions helps industrial companies to use energy, water and equipment efficiently, reduce emissions and comply with environmental guidelines. With around 31,000 employees worldwide (September 30), Siemens Industry Solutions posted sales of €6.8 billion in fiscal year 2009. www.siemens.com

About WEF

Formed in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization with 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF and its Member Associations proudly work to achieve our mission of preserving and enhancing the global water environment. www.wef.org