Water Organizations And Industry In Joint Effort

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Water Organizations And Industry In Joint Effort

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Aug. 14

RNewswire-AsiaNet/ -- Potential solutions to most of the world's water problems already exist. The challenge, however, lies in communicating this knowledge to all parties involved.

Today, leading international water organizations and industry announced their plans to create a Web site that combines the collective insights of more than 100,000 global water specialists. A worldwide launch is planned for spring 2001.

This initiative was undertaken as a result of the 2nd World Water Forum, held March 2000 in the Hague, the Netherlands. The 5,000 delegates expressed a need for one comprehensive tool that could enable best practice sharing in both developing countries and technologically advanced nations. The International Water Academy, Water Environment Federation and ITT Industries, Inc., have undertaken the responsibility to make this vision a reality.

Improving water management -- especially in rapidly changing urban environments -- requires mobilizing public and private sectors, as well as increasing the general public's awareness of the issue. This site is intended to bring together water professionals around the globe to exchange information on both existing recommended practices as well as innovative emerging technologies.

The site will offer solutions that: -- Establish a link between public water authorities, industry and water organizations -- Improve water distribution efficiency and use of water -- Provide information on innovative technology and solutions that promote more efficient use of water. -- Catalyze water-related investments and partnerships, particularly in developing countries -- Raise public awareness of water issues The site will be easily accessible to the public, and all

interested parties, companies and organizations are encouraged to retrieve and post information. The Water Academy, together with a non-partisan committee comprised of respected authorities and participating organizations will oversee site content.

According Albert Goodman, chairman, Water Environment Federation, "More than two billion people are living today without proper sanitation or access to safe, abundant water. They are depending on the collective efforts of our best minds. Without this joint effort, funding and assistance can never be allocated in a way that provides a lasting solution."

"The goal of the site is to connect the people and organizations that deal with water-related issues -- including scientists, government, decision makers, industry, and consultants -- and enable innovative solutions and thought- provoking dialogue," says Robert L. Ayers, president of ITT Industries' fluid technology business and states, "Mutual efforts from around the globe can result in optimal use and reuse of the world's water resources."

Tor Wennesland, secretary general, Water Academy states, "We are just beginning our journey towards a world where safe, abundant water is a given right. Potentially, this site will have the ability to connect people to solutions like never before, but the responsibility to share expertise across boundaries lies on each and every one of us."

The parties will contact other organizations and industrial companies in the coming months to assure the broadest possible participation in the endeavor.

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