Global water consumption has increased sixfold over the last hundred years and continues to rise by around one percent annually. Water is becoming scarcer due to the climate crisis, pollution and overuse. In order to continue to meet demand, innovative solutions for supplying households, industry and agriculture are required.

New processes and concepts improve the utilization of wastewater and optimize industrial and agricultural water cycles. It is important to reduce unnecessary water losses and promote water saving and storage measures. Municipal water suppliers and operators of sewage treatment plants rely on the most modern technologies and sustainable processes in order to meet the increasing demand for water on the one hand and, on the other hand, to store water more efficiently (in the sense of the sponge city concept).

Energy-efficient and climate-friendly sewage treatment processes, the recovery of resources such as phosphorus and the maintenance of wastewater systems help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sustainable management of the scarce resource and access to clean water is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Sustainable water management must ensure the supply of the population and economy at all times while protecting and storing the resource. This also includes the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity.

The industry includes water supply including water extraction, storage and distribution, as well as wastewater treatment including sewerage and sewage treatment plants.