Desalination and water reuse will take centre stage in Liverpool next year as water-sector experts meet to examine how alternative water supplies can strengthen long-term water resilience. The European Desalination Society (EDS) 2027 Congress will bring together utilities, researchers, technology providers, regulators, policymakers and industrial water users to discuss the latest developments in desalination, water recycling and advanced treatment technologies.
The congress will take place from 4–7 May 2027 at the Liverpool Experience Campus. Under the theme Water Resilience: Desalination, Recycling & Clean Water Solutions, delegates will explore how emerging technologies can help diversify water supplies while improving resilience against climate change, population growth and increasing water demand.
Desalination and water reuse gain importance
England could face a public water supply shortfall of up to five billion litres per day by 2055 without further action, according to the Environment Agency. While demand management, leakage reduction and improved efficiency remain essential, utilities are increasingly recognising that new water resources will also be needed to strengthen long-term resilience.
Desalination provides a drought-resilient source of drinking water for coastal communities, while water recycling can create dependable alternative supplies for industrial, agricultural and, where appropriate, potable applications. Together, these technologies are becoming an increasingly important part of future water-resource planning.
Liverpool conference to examine future water supplies
EDS 2027 will examine how desalination, advanced treatment, water recycling and digital technologies are being deployed across the global water sector. The programme will include keynote presentations, technical sessions, workshops and an exhibition, providing opportunities for researchers, utilities and technology suppliers to exchange operational experience and the latest research.
Alongside technical developments, delegates will discuss policy, regulation and investment, exploring how desalination and reuse can complement conventional water resources and help utilities build more resilient supply portfolios.
Energy efficiency remains a major challenge
Reducing energy consumption continues to be one of the industry’s biggest priorities. Advances in membrane technology, energy recovery devices and process optimisation are helping lower the energy intensity of desalination and advanced water treatment while improving overall operational efficiency.
Renewable energy integration is also becoming increasingly important as utilities seek to reduce carbon emissions alongside operating costs. Digital monitoring, automation and artificial intelligence are expected to play an expanding role in optimising plant performance and supporting predictive maintenance.
Digital technology changes treatment operations
Digitalisation will form another major theme at EDS 2027. Technologies including artificial intelligence, digital twins, advanced sensors and cloud-based monitoring are changing how treatment facilities are designed, operated and maintained, giving operators greater visibility of system performance and allowing earlier intervention when issues arise.
These tools can also help improve energy efficiency, optimise treatment processes and extend asset life, supporting utilities as they respond to increasing operational and environmental pressures.
