Wasser Berlin International 2013: Congress Programme Now Online

The dominant theme is the concept of a cycle that begins with protecting inshore waters and culminates with the processing of wastewater. Specialist symposiums, attended by high-level industry experts representing research, business and politics, will also be discussing water industry topics on all four days of the fair. With such a wealth of in-depth information on offer, no other water industry event provides participants with so much useful knowledge as this congress with its highly compact and selective presentations.

Four discussion forums will provide a comprehensive overview and insight into the latest water industry topics and, with the latest information, will give decision-makers an opportunity to develop their own concepts and measures. Forum 1 discusses “ways of adapting to climate change – the extent and composition of inshore waters“. Forum 2 examines “trends in drinking water purification and treatment of wastewater and industrial water“. Forum 3 deals with “safe and efficient infrastructure operation and maintenance“ and Forum 4 looks at “responsible management within companies”.

The two-day congress will be accompanied by an extensive programme of specialist symposiums.

The 8th International Symposium on Pipeline Construction will take place on 24 April 2013. Its focus is on "network management and maintenance" and on "the challenges facing networks following the energy policy u-turn". On 25 April 2013 Schaustelle Wasser Berlin International will concentrate on practical aspects. This event, previously known among experts as "Building Site Day", showcases pipeline construction methods as well as ways to supply drinking water and treat wastewater. Those taking part will be able to find out locally about modern and innovative methods and the ways in which building projects are realised. They include the technology for trenchless modernisation work and replacing water supply and wastewater pipelines, district heating and gas supply lines, as well as methods for treating wastewater and ensuring water supplies.

The debut event of No Dig Berlin 2013 , the congress and exhibition on trenchless technology, part of Wasser Berlin International, will take place from 23 to 26 April 2013. In 2011 the organisers succeeded in bringing the International No Dig to Berlin. The launch of No Dig Berlin means the trade fair and congress on trenchless construction technology will be continuing in a new format. For more than 30 years trenchless construction methods have represented an environmentally sound, low-cost alternative wherever underground pipelines are modernised or installed. Trade visitors will be able to exchange views with international specialists and establish valuable links with providers of products and services.

Organised by the German Technical Association for Gas and Water (DVGW)and the Association of Companies in the Gas and Water Industries (figawa), the Symposium on Well Construction is the meeting place for experts from this sector. They will be discussing the latest developments in this field, such as geothermal applications and drilling using fracking techniques.

At the IOA Symposium on 24 April 2013, under the heading of “Safe Water. Along Its Cycle – Ozone and Related Oxidants“, the European African Asian Australian Group of the International Ozone Association (EA3G) will be discussing topics such as basic principles, types of installations and applications. The IOA Symposium is a platform for presenting the results of current research projects and of operating installations. One of the key issues is that of reducing the amount of pollutants in the water supply cycle. The focus here is on surface waters, drinking water and wastewater.

Questions are being raised, both from an ecological and economic point of view, concerning the long-standing practice of treating rainwater in the same way as wastewater and letting it run into the drains. In order to protect the environment and inshore waters and in order to safeguard against flooding sustainable rainwater management practices are absolutely necessary. On 25 April, at the Symposium on Storm Water Management, leading authorities on household water management and urban planning and landscaping will be lecturing on the paradigm shift in storm water management, the state of scientific research, the extent to which DIN norms and technical regulations have incorporated these findings, as well as on practical examples.

The forthcoming Wasser Berlin International places a special emphasis on countries in the Arab world. Based in Amman, the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA) represents 17 Arab nations, and is the official partner of Wasser Berlin International 2013. On 25 April 2013, the Arab Forum will focus on the water industry in this region and provide a platform to debate up-to-the-minute topics concerning this region.

Blue Planet – Berlin Water Dialogues will be a lively dialogue between representatives of industry, research and of German and international politics. On 26 April 2013 the focus will be on highlighting the future importance of water in the context of the latest strategies for a clean economy. Blue Planet – Berlin Water Dialogues are a series of sessions that will conduct an interdisciplinary debate on the global challenge of managing water resources. This event is organised by Messe Berlin GmbH with the support of the Berlin Senate Department of Economics.

From 23 to 26 April 2013 the International Forums, which can be visited free of charge, will take place daily in the display halls at the fair. They are organised by the Associations of the German Water Industry, Wastewater and Waste (DWA) in cooperation with the German Water Partnership. Key topics include selected international water markets, the problems they face and possible solutions.