Water conference in Essen - Bathing in the City

As part of its commitment to promoting water management and environmental awareness, the Wilo‑Foundation supported the conference “Bathing in the City”, which took place from 7 to 9 September 2017 at the Ruhrverband. The event was organised by the European Water Association (EWA) in Hennef and coincided with Essen’s role as European Green Capital.

The conference was aimed at students and early‑career researchers addressing challenges related to bathing water quality and use. Its objective was to initiate dialogue among young academics on improving the quality of bathing waters, identifying sources of pollution and refining monitoring and measurement techniques. Participants benefited from expert lectures by international professors, a historical overview of bathing water use in the Ruhr region, case studies and interactive discussion formats.

Excursions, dialogue sessions and expert lectures raised participants’ awareness of the quality of bathing waters. Photo: European Water Association (EWA)

A particular highlight was the excursion to Lake Baldeney in Essen, where participants not only gained insights into the lake’s water quality and conservation measures, but also had the opportunity to swim in an urban body of water themselves. Thanks to the financial support of the Wilo‑Foundation, participation in this future‑oriented conference was made possible for twenty students and early‑career researchers.

Photo Header: European Water Association (EWA)

Our funding partner

The European Water Association (EWA), based in Hennef, is a leading European organisation dedicated to sustainable water management and the protection of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. As a network of professionals, companies and institutions from the water sector, the EWA promotes the exchange of knowledge and best practices in order to develop innovative solutions to current challenges in water management. Since 2016, the EWA has organised an annual conference on a selected water-related topic in the respective European Green Capital. The conference offers young people excellent opportunities to build a Europe‑wide network of water professionals and to gain insights into a wide range of disciplines within the water sector.

Development Goals

The UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forms the global framework for action for socially, economically and ecologically sustainable development. Our funding commitment also supports these sustainability goals. With this project, we are making a contribution to achieving the following SDGs:

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