“Advancing Smart Water Efficiency: Technologies, Skills and Strategies for a Resilient Future”
Purpose of the Conference
The purpose of the 2026 Water Efficiency Technical Conference is to:
- Showcase cutting-edge water efficiency technologies and solutions.
- Strengthen industry capacity in water auditing, measurement and verification, and water performance optimisation.
- Provide a platform for policy dialogue, knowledge sharing and multidisciplinary collaboration.
- Prepare organisations to align with evolving water regulations, efficiency standards and sustainability mandates.
- Promote professional development through internationally recognised frameworks such as CWEP® and related technical competencies.
Objectives
The conference seeks to achieve the following objectives:
- Enhance industry understanding of water usage measurement, verification and facility auditing practices
- Promote adoption of water-efficient technologies, including plumbing systems, cooling towers, laundry equipment, commercial kitchen equipment and industrial systems
- Highlight alternative water sourcing options such as harvesting and reuse technologies to reduce demand on municipal supply systems
- Provide insights into regulatory frameworks, water policies and standards that guide national water management efforts.
- Facilitate partnerships between government, industry, academia and SAEEC.
- Inspire organisations to implement strategic water management programs that reduce costs and support sustainability commitments.
Water efficiency involves practices aimed at conserving water resources and ensuring sustainable usage. This can include:
- Efficient Usage: Implementing water-saving technologies in agriculture, industry, buildings and households.
- Alternative Water Resources: Rainwater harvesting and alternative supply opportunities.
- Recycling and Reusing: Treating and reusing wastewater.Together, addressing water scarcity through water efficiency best practices are essential for ensuring that communities can sustainably access clean water now and in the future.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the conference, participants will:
- Gain practical knowledge to improve water management within their organisations.
- Understand best-practice auditing methodologies and water balance assessments.
- Identify and evaluate cost-effective water-saving opportunities.
- Strengthen professional networks across industry and government.
- Be motivated to pursue internationally recognised certifications such as CWEP® to enhance their professional credibility.
2025 SAEEC 1st Annual Water Efficiency Technical Conference
GUEST SPEAKER
Prof. Michael Rudolph
Director for Ecological Intelligence
University of Johannesburg
Professor Esta van Heerden
iWater
Bioremediation Beyond Basics: Managing Microbial Ecosystems for Effective Mine Water Treatment
Dr. David Johnson
Facultative Ponds to Augment Failing Sewage Plants.
Ms. Nokulunga Biyase
(Department of Water & Sanitation)
The Future of Water Security in Africa.
Mr. Herman Strauss
(Jackstra Solutions)
Embracing Efficiency- Navigating the Emerging Challenges inthe SA Water landscape.
Mr. Bjorn Smidt-Hart
Lighting the Way to Cleaner and Efficient Waters
Dr. Fanie Botha
(Water Hunters)
Value of Water vs Value of Water Security.
Mr. Richard Garner
Head of Department: Environmental Studies at MSA South Africa
Water Efficiency in Industry: A summary of approaches, interventions and technologies