AWWA leaders connect, collaborate in South Korea

Leaders from the American Water Works Association participated in Korea International Water Week (KIWW) last month and also used the opportunity to meet with local utilities, researchers, and partners to strengthen global connections and share information across countries.

KIWW — organized by Korea Water Forum and jointly hosted by the Ministry of Environment, Daegu Metropolitan City, K-Water and K-eco — focused on “Building a Smart Water Future by Sharing Experience and Technology.”

“This year’s conference theme is very closely aligned with how we think about water at AWWA,” AWWA President Heather Collins said during the KIWW opening ceremony. “Utilities everywhere are facing complex issues — aging systems, climate impacts, and affordability pressures, to name a few. The work is challenging, but it’s also full of opportunity. When we share experience and technology with one another, we’re creating a better world through better water.”

During KIWW, AWWA leaders participated in several key events, including the Global Water Cooperation Seminar, the Water Leaders’ Roundtable, and meetings with Korean water organizations. Collins, AWWA Deputy CEO John Albert, and Director of Standards and Optimization Programs Paul Olson shared perspectives on Water 2050, technology transformation in U.S. utilities, emerging regulatory trends and how standards support innovation and international partnership.

They also visited graduate students at Korea University, where students discussed innovation in water management and strategies for resilient water supplies. Collins and Albert also shared how AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative relies, in part, on students’ support and expertise in shaping a sustainable water future.

“I hope everyone in the world can access clean water easily,” Da Yun Kwon, Ph.D. candidate at Korea University, shared in the discussion. “As a researcher, I want to use drones and AI to monitor places people can’t safely reach and gather information that protects water quality. My goal is to become an expert in drone-based monitoring so I can help communities and help the world.”

AWWA leaders also visited Hwaseong AI Water Treatment Plant, which uses artificial intelligence to run major treatment processes, from controlling inlet valves and chemical dosing to managing filtration and energy use.

AI is also used in integrating asset/maintenance management, plant operations, inspection, and procurement.

The visit also included a tour of K-water’s Eco-Delta City facilities, where AWWA leaders saw how integrated digital tools are being used to manage water supply, treatment and energy systems at a citywide scale. At KIWW, K-water received a Blue Dot Network certification — a first for the water sector globally — for its infrastructure efficiency and sustainability.