The Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste will showcase research into water quality, pollution and environmental resilience at the 2026 IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition. The joint research centre, known as CREWW, brings together South West Water and the University of Exeter.
The congress will take place at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow from 4–8 October 2026. CREWW representatives will be based at UK Pavilion Stand 750 during the event.
Research covers water quality and system resilience
CREWW plans to present projects covering drinking-water quality, catchment management, wastewater networks, microplastics and public engagement. The work combines academic research with data and operational experience from South West Water.
One of the projects uses groundwater infiltration risk modelling to identify parts of the wastewater network that may be particularly vulnerable to groundwater entering sewers. Infiltration can increase flows through treatment systems and contribute to pressure on wastewater infrastructure.
Researchers will also present a machine-learning tool designed to help identify historic lead communication and supply pipes. Improved identification could help utilities and property owners target investigations and replacement programmes more effectively.
The centre’s microplastics laboratory supports research into the presence, behaviour and potential treatment of microplastics in water and wastewater. CREWW describes the facility as a link between laboratory research and the practical needs of utilities and regulators.
Upstream Thinking examines catchment interventions
The showcase will include research associated with South West Water’s Upstream Thinking programme. The catchment initiative works with farmers, landowners and environmental organisations to reduce pollution before it reaches rivers and reservoirs.
CREWW research is examining and quantifying the effects of those catchment interventions. H2O Global News previously reported on 15 years of the Upstream Thinking programme, including work across more than 144,000 hectares of land.
Other CREWW research covers combined sewer overflow impacts, peatland restoration, bathing-water management and the relationship between land use and raw-water quality. The centre aims to translate findings into practical tools and evidence for utilities, regulators and environmental organisations.
Storying Water uses podcasts to explain research
Visitors will also be able to learn about Storying Water, an audio project using podcasts and creative storytelling to communicate water research. The project is intended to make scientific work more accessible to audiences outside academia and the water industry.
The public engagement work sits alongside CREWW’s technical research into drinking water and wastewater systems. It reflects the centre’s broader interest in how communities understand and participate in decisions about water resilience.
CREWW marks five years of research partnership
The congress appearance coincides with CREWW’s fifth anniversary. The partnership was established to examine how water resources and infrastructure can remain resilient under pressures including climate change, pollution and population growth.
Carolyn Cadman, chief sustainability and natural resources officer at South West Water and a CREWW board member, said collaboration was becoming increasingly important as water-sector challenges grew more complex. She said the partnership allows academic researchers and utility specialists to develop solutions that can be applied in practice.
Professor Ed Keedwell, professor of artificial intelligence at the University of Exeter and co-director of CREWW, said researchers and practitioners had worked alongside one another during the partnership’s first five years. He said participation in the congress would provide opportunities to share results and develop further international collaborations.
CREWW has also supported research into harmful algal blooms and bathing-water quality. H2O Global News has previously covered its involvement in the PEDAL algal-bloom project and the Safe to Swim Forum.
Glasgow congress covers the complete water cycle
The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is held every two years and covers drinking water, wastewater, resource recovery, utility management and water-resource planning. Its 2026 programme includes more than 100 technical sessions and over 60 workshops.
The Glasgow event will operate under the theme “Water action – the path to resilience and prosperity.” H2O Global News has published a wider overview of the IWA World Water Congress programme.
Frequently asked questions
What is CREWW?
CREWW is the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste, a research partnership between South West Water and the University of Exeter. It studies water-sector challenges and develops practical approaches to environmental and infrastructure resilience.
When is the 2026 IWA World Water Congress?
The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition will take place from 4–8 October 2026. It will be held at the Scottish Event Campus in Glasgow.
Which projects will CREWW showcase?
Projects include groundwater infiltration risk modelling, machine learning for identifying historic lead pipes, Upstream Thinking research and the CREWW microplastics laboratory. The centre will also present its Storying Water public-engagement project.
Where can visitors meet the CREWW team?
Visitors can meet CREWW representatives at the UK Pavilion on Stand 750. The stand will provide information about the partnership and its current research.
What is the focus of CREWW’s research?
CREWW researches drinking-water quality, wastewater systems, pollution, catchment management and environmental resilience. Its work combines University of Exeter research with operational knowledge from South West Water.
