Canadian Forum sold out as Washington hosts 15,000 at AWWA Conference

ES&E's Penny Davey spent an afternoon cycling through the lovely city prior to attending the AWWA Conference and Exposition.

The American Water Works Association's 120th Annual conference and Exposition attracted some 15,000 people, including many Canadians, to Washington, DC, June 17-21. The Canadian Forum was a sold out affair with some 400 attending at their spectacular new embassy. Much conversation focussed on the Walkerton Inquiry and the detailed work undertaken by OWWA/OMWA to ensure that the Commission of Inquiry heard the experienced voice of the industry. Delegates anticipated the outcome of the Inquiry will not only affect Ontario, but also Canada and the rest of North America.

Along with their American and foreign guests, delegates attending the Forum had an opportunity to stroll through and enjoy the sculptures, art and design of the edifice at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue. Designed by award-winning Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, our embassy is a striking addition to the US Capitol district and since its opening a decade ago, has become the envy of many foreign delegations in Washington. Later, at the Smithsonian's Air and Space Museum, there was a social evening sponsored by USFilter.

The conference covered a range of pressing issues such as the multi-billion dollar arsenic rule under review by the US Environmental Protection Agency; protecting drinking water facilities from terrorism; North America's drinking water infrastructure needs; and maintenance of water supplies and conservation in the face of the severe drought which had been forecasted for states across the US.

On June 20, AWWA hosted the Water Matters Rally on the West Front Lawn of the US Capitol, billed as the world's largest rally to promote safe, affordable drinking water.

Governor Christie Whitman, US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, joined with five congressional leaders on safe drinking water issues. "Today's rally demonstrates the great importance of safe and clean water to all Americans," said Governor Whitman. "I am committed to working with AWWA in a partnership to protect this vital resource and ensure that Americans continue to have the best drinking water in the world."

Established in 1881, in St. Louis, Missouri, AWWA now has over 57,000 members throughout North America and other countries around the world. Since the early days, Canadians have always had a strong presence in AWWA with seven becoming president of what is the world's oldest and largest scientific and educational organization focused on safe drinking water.

Next year, AWWA will hold its Annual Conference and Exposition in New Orleans, Louisiana, with the Canadian Water Forum taking place on the evening of June 17, 2002.

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