Latest news with #WaterWeek
Axios
05-05-2025
- Science
- Axios
Making drinking water from sewage and other big ideas at Chicago Water Week
Recycling sewage into drinking water may sound gross, but it's one of many ideas being floated at this year's Chicago Water Week. The big picture: To better understand this alternative to diverting H20 from water-rich areas like ours, Axios talked to Peter Annin, author of "Purified: How Recycling Sewage is Transforming our Water." He'll speak at the Shedd Aquarium on Thursday. His biggest surprise: How many communities are already drinking former sewage, including Orange County, California; San Diego; El Paso and more. "It is happening all over the Sunbelt and most people don't even realize it," Annin tells Axios. The big takeaway:"There are only two realistic options left for 'new' water supplies: the ocean and the toilet, and that the toilet is the more sustainable option — as long as people can just get over the yuck factor," he says. Zoom in: Closer to home, Green Bay Packaging is using "recycled sewage to make their paper and not discharging any wastewater into the once notoriously polluted Fox River," Annin says. The intrigue: Rare earth minerals may be the next resource scientists extract from wastewater, according to new research. UChicago researcher Chong Liu and others will talk about a process to pull lithium from "dilute sources" on Tuesday night in a program that is already filled up. If you go: You can find all the Water Week events, including Annin's Thursday talk here. Highlights include:
Observer
14-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman and Netherlands: Friends in diverse spectrum of areas
The relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Netherlands are deep-rooted since time immemorial and are anchored in history, navigating towards the future over four centuries of Dutch-Omani history. Building on time-tested joint collaborations, the participation of Dutch companies specialised in water management and climate-resilient solutions made a substantial impact at the annual Water Week hosted by Oman last week, drawing considerable attention. 'The presence of Dutch companies underscored our countries' shared commitment to tackling today's most pressing global challenges in areas where both Oman and the Netherlands have long histories of innovation and stewardship,' said Stella Kloth, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Sultanate of Oman. 'As a continuation of this dynamic exchange, I am proud to announce that during the week of April 28, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in collaboration with the Bait Al Zubair Museum, will host a Dutch Cultural Week in Muscat. This celebration of art, music and shared heritage will include several events open to the public,' she added. As the Dutch soil is all set to welcome His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, both nations are also commemorating a remarkable milestone in their shared history. Four centuries ago, Dutch merchant vessels made their historic entry into the Sea of Oman, marking the beginning of contact between both peoples. This early connection laid the foundation for the arrival of the Dutch East India Company's ship Concordia in 1651, which signalled the start of official trade relations between the two nations. Today, four centuries later, the spirit of those first encounters continues to thrive. What began as maritime trade has evolved into a multifaceted partnership grounded in a shared commitment to international cooperation. This relationship is not just about the past — it is very much alive in the present. This relationship continues to thrive, particularly in the field of sustainable logistics, water management and the energy transition. Stella further said that among these series of events is 'Food for Thought', a thought-provoking photography exhibition by renowned Dutch visual storyteller Kadir van Lohuizen, whose work explores themes of sustainability, climate change and global food systems. In addition, one of the highlighted events is the art competition 'The Emotion of the Oceans', organised in cooperation with the Green Life Art Center, which invites children up to 16 years old to express their creativity and raise awareness about ocean conservation through art. 'These musical collaborations reflect the spirit of exchange that has always defined Dutch-Omani relations — not only at the diplomatic level, but among our people.' From the bilateral relations point of view, the state visit is more than a historic moment. For the peoples of both countries, it is a powerful reminder of the opportunities that emerge when two nations cooperate and use dialogue as their compass. The state visit is the highest expression of bilateral relations, and it reflects the deep mutual respect and shared commitment between the two nations. 'From trade and technology to art and culture, our partnership is as vibrant today as it was in the 17th century. As we honour our shared past and look ahead to a sustainable, innovative future, I warmly invite all in Oman to join us during the Dutch Cultural Week (April 28 – May 1) to experience firsthand the creativity, collaboration and connection that continue to define our friendship. Together, Oman and the Netherlands are charting forward — anchored in history, driven by innovation and united by a shared vision for peace and stability,' Stella added.
Observer
06-04-2025
- Business
- Observer
Sustaining water resources amid climate and demand pressures
MUSCAT: With water sustainability emerging as a critical challenge across the Gulf, Oman Water Week officially opened yesterday at the Oman Convention & Exhibition Centre, spotlighting innovative strategies to manage and protect the region's scarce water resources. As countries face mounting pressure from climate change, rapid urbanization, and dwindling freshwater reserves, the urgency for smarter, more resilient water systems has never been greater. Hosted by Nama Group, the week-long event brings together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to accelerate sustainable water solutions at the intersection of science, technology, and policy. Kicking off with immersive field visits to major infrastructure sites, setting the tone for a week centered on innovation and collaboration. These site visits offered more than just a behind-the-scenes look - they underscore the pivotal role of engineering and technology in addressing water challenges across the Sultanate. From advanced wastewater treatment at the Seeb STP to large-scale desalination at Barka, each facility demonstrated Oman's practical approach to overcoming water scarcity through long-term planning and smart investments. Witnessing these systems in action brought into focus the urgency of managing water resources sustainably amid climate stress and rising demand. Oman, like many MENA countries, faces acute water scarcity. The week's agenda spans key issues from digital transformation in water utilities and the integration of smart metering systems, to reducing non-revenue water, protecting groundwater reserves, and expanding the reuse of treated wastewater, especially in industrial and agricultural sectors. Panel discussions, technical workshops, and research presentations provide a platform for both local and global perspectives, showcasing success stories and identifying persistent gaps. Oman, like many MENA countries, faces acute water scarcity. In response, the country is turning to innovation and digitalization. Smart networks, IoT-enabled monitoring, and data-driven decision-making are being tested and scaled, reflecting a shift toward a more adaptive, integrated model of water governance aligned with national sustainability goals. Events of this kind are taking place around the world, reflecting a growing global recognition that water security is a shared challenge requiring collective action. From regional summits to international water forums, there is a rising momentum toward integrated, cross-border solutions. Oman Water Week contributes to this global movement by fostering collaboration, encouraging knowledge exchange, and aligning local initiatives with international best practices. As water stress intensifies worldwide, such gatherings play a vital role in uniting stakeholders around sustainable, innovative, and equitable water management. With growing water challenges across the region, Water Week offers a timely platform for cooperation and practical solutions. The conversations unfolding here have the potential to shape not just national strategies, but inspire regional collaboration. With science, policy, and technology converging under one roof, the event signals Oman's ambition to help lead the charge toward a more water-secure future.
