AWWA strengthens collaboration with Korean water sector during recent visit

An American Water Works Association (AWWA) contingent, including AWWA President Joe Jacangelo and Colin Chung, chair of the International Council, traveled throughout the Republic of Korea during Korea International Water Week in November to meet with local water leaders, tour facilities and enter a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Korea Water Resources Corporation (K-water). (Pictured right, Jacangelo presented at Korea University about water reuse and Water 2050). 

The MOU includes agreements by AWWA and K-water, the largest water supplier in the country, to respond to environmental changes and improve public health by supplying safe water. The two organizations agreed to share knowledge, deliver common programs that provide value to their members, and attend each other’s relevant events. They also will share information about technological advancements in areas such as smart water management, aged water facility management and water supply management. (Pictured left, Park Jae-Hyeon, CEO of K-water, and AWWA President Joe Jacangelo sign MOU.)

AWWA representatives were hosted by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Environment Daegu City, K-water, Korean Environment Corporation (K-eco), the Korea Water Partnership, the Korea Institute for Water Technology Certification, and other leading water organizations.

“I was excited to read that the theme of Korea International Water Week includes ‘Fostering Water Environment Resilient to Climate Crisis,’” said Jacangelo. “That is among the recommendations coming out of our first Water 2050 think tank. It appears we are all thinking alike!

“On behalf of AWWA, I’d also like to express my gratitude to our hosts,” he added. “Just a few months ago, AWWA welcomed many colleagues from the Republic of Korea to our Annual Conference and Exposition in San Antonio, Texas. We are so pleased that this exchange of knowledge between our countries continues to grow.”

During the visit, Jacangelo also spoke to students at Korea University in Seoul about water reuse and Water 2050.

“While much of AWWA’s daily work is focused on North American issues, our vision statement is ‘A better world through better water,’” Jacangelo said. “I think it’s in moments like these – far away from our homes – that I continue to realize all the ways that water connects us all.” (Pictured right, Jacangelo presents at Korea International Water Week.)