Water Environment Federation, SWAN sign MoU to develop smart water networks

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly promote the development of best industry practices for sustainable smart water networks.

Incorporating technology to optimise system operations, smart water networks find application in detecting system leaks and managing energy.

WEF executive director Eileen O’Neill said: “Supporting innovation is essential to the water sector, and to further development of intelligent water systems.

“The MoU between WEF and SWAN is the first step to create the kind of collaborative engagement needed for the future of the sector.”

In the wake of technological advancements in the water sector, the new partnership will allow WEF and SWAN to advance workforce development by equipping water professionals with new skill sets and knowledge.

Leveraging the combination of SWAN’s focus on smart wastewater network management and WEF’s integrated intelligent water practices, the partnership seeks to determine common barriers of implementing intelligent water practices, technology trends, and new solutions.

WEF is a not-for-profit technical and educational organisation of 33,000 individual members and 75 affiliated member associations representing water quality professionals around the world.

It aims to connect and improve the expertise of water professionals, increase the awareness of the impact and value of water, besides providing a platform for water sector innovation.