Written by Alison Binney for the International Water Association while employed as a science communicator at Econnect Communication

Press conference
When: Wednesday 19 September 2012, 1pm – 1.45pm
Venue: IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2012, Press Conference Room, Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO), Korea

Worldwide, there are mental barriers to using recycled water.

“We have to start changing how we speak about water and create new terminology to overcome mental barriers to change,” says Linda Macpherson, vice president of CH2M Hill (US).

In her keynote address at the World Water Congress in Busan today, Macpherson will elaborate on how conversation about water and wastewater has changed over time.

Deliberately changing how we talk about ‘wastewater’ and turning it into ‘resourceful water’ can help to accelerate innovation and the adoption of new practices.

A key question from end users of reused water is ‘how safe it is to use?’ — when is ‘safe enough to drink’ enough?

“In terms of public health, do you eradicate the last trace of caffeine in your drinking water, or do you build new wells?,” asks Professor Shane Snyder.

Speaking at the press conference today Professor Shane Snyder, co-director of the Water and Energy Sustainable Technology Center at the University of Arizona, will talk about the reduction of emerging contaminants in drinking water.

“Recycled water is treated to far higher degrees than conventional water sources. Most potable reuse waters have been extensively purified to a degree far beyond all regulatory requires, and this could be considered ‘cleaner’ than regular tap water.

“The future will be much different as we begin to fully utilise wastewater for energy, materials and water recovery.”

Glen Daigger, president of IWA, will elaborate on a new joint initiative between the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and the IWA to promote water reuse within industries, and between cities and industries.

“Promoting water reuse by industry is a key step to achieve more sustainable water management and safeguard industrial production in times of water scarcity,” says Daigger.

With increasing water scarcity, immense opportunities remain untouched to augment water supplies through reuse.

“There are major opportunities for industries to reuse and recycle wastewater, both within and between industries and in cooperation with cities,” says Joppe Cramwinckel, Director of the Water Programme, World Business Council for Sustainable Development (Switzerland).

Press conference speakers:

Shane Snyder: Professor at the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering in the University of Arizona: snyders2@email.arizona.edu
Joppe Cramwinckel: Director, Water Programme, WBCSD (Switzerland): cramwinckel@wbcsd.org
Mooyoung Han: Professor at the Rainwater Research Centre, Seoul National University: myhan@snu.ac.kr
Glen Daigger: President of International Water Assocation: Glen.Daigger@CH2M.com