Event: European Wastewater Management Conference (EWMC) 2024

Date: July 2024

Location: Manchester, UK

Type of CPD: Technical conference / innovation insight / sector engagement

Duration: Two‑day conference (attendee + contributor)

Summary of the Event

I attended the European Wastewater Management Conference 2024 in Manchester, one of the UK’s leading technical forums for wastewater professionals. The event brought together utilities, regulators, technology innovators, consultants, researchers and environmental specialists to discuss the latest developments in wastewater treatment, monitoring, regulation and operational performance.

The 2024 programme placed particular emphasis on storm overflow reform, PR24 delivery expectations, digital optimisation, advanced monitoring, and nature‑based solutions. There was also a strong focus on the role of real‑time data, including biological, chemical and physical monitoring, in strengthening environmental performance and regulatory compliance.

Throughout the event, I engaged with utilities and technology partners on the role of real‑time biological monitoring and microbial activity sensing in improving treatment stability, early‑warning capability and environmental protection.

Key Themes Covered

• Wastewater treatment optimisation Biological process stability, nutrient removal, energy efficiency and operational resilience.
• Storm overflow and environmental performance Monitoring requirements, transparency expectations and targeted interventions.
• Digital transformation and real‑time monitoring Data integration, digital twins, automation and predictive analytics.
• Emerging contaminants and regulatory change Microplastics, pharmaceuticals, PFAS and evolving compliance frameworks.
• Nature‑based and catchment‑scale solutions Integrated approaches to water quality, biodiversity and ecological outcomes.
• Innovation and technology adoption Pilots, validation, procurement and scaling of advanced monitoring and optimisation tools.