One World, One Water Community by Mr. Youqing Li, IDRA 2nd Vice President
Today, the world is looking to the ocean more and more as a source for fresh water. Delivering fresh water from the ocean, from brackish resources and through water reuse, has improved the availability and reliability of obtaining fresh water through the years.
The desalination and water reuse industry and community are becoming bigger and bigger. Demand for delivering fresh water will continue to increase with the growth of industrialization, urban development and climate change.
To meet the growth in water demand, more eco-friendly technologies are being developed while minimizing the unused byproduct. It is an exciting time of the 21st century to be in the water industry.
As industry professionals, we should work together as a team and see the world as one village to deliver the most power-efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly technologies and products. This can be difficult to achieve at times with our differences in cultural, religious and political views. IDRA has been a great platform to bridge the difference between people on this important subject by gathering expertise worldwide in the desalination and water reuse industry since its founding.
Over the past four decades, IDRA has provided expertise through its affiliates in different countries and has exchanged a wealth of information on new products and technologies through its World Congresses, seminars and conferences. For instance, thousands of Chinese water professionals have attended IDRA’s conferences to obtain direction and guidance on the latest trends in the water industry ever since the Membrane Industry Association of China (MIAC) became IDRA’s affiliate in 2012 and through the 2013 IDRA World Congress, held in Tianjin.
Due to the droughts that are occurring in many countries, for example South Africa, I believe IDRA will continue its great work and continue to strive to have an even greater presence under president Miguel Angel Sanz, the Board of Directors and Secretary General, Shannon McCarthy and the existing and newly joined IDRA affiliates and members.
While all IDRA events and IDRA affiliate events, including CaribDA, InDA, EDS, MIAC and AMTA, are a great way to promote the water community and technologies, IDRA’s Scholarship, Education and Fellowship programs provide insight into strategies, policies and new developments in desalination and water reuse research. I highly encourage all members take advantage of these programs.
Looking forward to meeting you at our water events.