A panel of national and international water leaders will examine how communities of all sizes can best prepare for future water demands and related challenges during the second annual Water Leaders Session at the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC). The event, titled, “The Future of Cities and Water: Insights from Great Water Cities” will be held Monday, Oct. 7 in Chicago.
In many parts of the world, pressures from population growth, climate change and urbanization are straining existing water systems and resources. In order to sufficiently meet current and future water demands, water managers and civil leaders from communities of all sizes are looking for smarter and more progressive management approaches that will increase resiliency, enhance livability and conserve resources.
Addressing this important topic will be a panel that includes senior executives from iconic and diverse water cities who will share their experiences and discuss innovative approaches to sustainable water management.
Facilitated by G. Tracy Mehan III, a former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency assistant administrator for water and a principal in the Environmental Science & Policy Div. for The Cadmus Group in Arlington, Va., the panel will include:
- • Harlan Kelly, Jr., general manager, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission
- • Heiner Markhoff, president and CEO, GE Water & Process Technologies
- • Chew Men Leong, chief executive, PUB Singapore
- • Sue Murphy, CEO, Water Corp. of Western Australia
“There’s little doubt that we have entered a time where water is becoming a top priority in cities around the world,” said WEF Interim Executive Director Eileen O’Neill. “Although it is a renewable resource, many don’t realize that water is finite and the only way to meet current and future demands is to be smarter and more efficient in our management approaches. This year’s Water Leaders Session is a unique opportunity to hear directly from some of today’s most forward-thinking, innovative water leaders and is something that WEFTEC attendees won’t want to miss.”
Returning for the second year in a row, the popular Water Leaders Session will be held immediately following the Opening General Session from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in Room S100, Grand Ballroom of McCormick Place.
Source: Water Environment Federation
