When innovative minds from the water industry come together, the result is much more than just an exchange of expertise. On January 23, 2026, around 30 leading experts and innovative water suppliers from Austria and Germany gathered for the first “Zukunftsforum WASSER”. The aim of the exclusive specialist forum in Villach was to find concrete answers to the industry’s most pressing challenges – from climate change to artificial intelligence.
Having worked with water suppliers of all sizes on a daily basis, we know only too well that the water industry is under enormous pressure across Europe. With the WASSER Future Forum, we wanted to create a platform where we can work together on real solutions and build a network that supports each other. If we share our experiences and tackle digitalization together, this will ultimately result in a tangible advantage for every supplier.
Dipl.-Ing. Rudolf Ball
CEO, SYMVARO GmbH
The WATER Future Forum is not a traditional congress, but a day full of inspiration, encounters and the shared courage to rethink the industry. Under the motto “The Pioneers’ Agenda”, it became clear that the future of water supply is digital – but its heartbeat remains human.
In order to shed light on the challenges facing the industry as a whole, four high-caliber experts contributed valuable input, which provided plenty to talk about in the ensuing discussion:
Prof. Dr. Mark Oelmann (Ruhr West University of Applied Sciences and MOcons Consulting) made it impressively clear why courageless decisions are costing us dearly today, especially in the water supply sector. The gap between increasing quality requirements and ageing infrastructure is widening. At the same time, the knowledge required to work in the water supply sector is becoming increasingly complex, and the transfer of knowledge remains a challenge. The key finding: strategy beats ad hoc solutions. Oelmann therefore advocated the use of data and cooperation in order to ensure long-term economic viability. He put it in a nutshell: those who hesitate with digitalization today will pay for it later.
Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Michael Tauber (Cell GmbH) took the participants into the world of artificial intelligence. Using the “BOTTI” assistant, he showed how AI secures specialist knowledge in the waterworks andnoticeably relieves teams. When long-standing colleagues retire, their expertise must not be lost. AI acts as a digital memory that can answer questions about decisions or plans immediately. This takes the pressure off the entire team and ensures that knowledge ends up where it is needed. The realization: AI does not replace people, but protects their most valuable asset – experience. A real game changer against the impending loss of knowledge in the water supply sector.
Peter Weiß (Waterworks Manager Villach) gave an honest insight into his valuable practical experience with LoRaWAN for radio water meters. The networking of more than 8,000 meters shows that digitalization at the Villach waterworks is no longer a theory, but provides daily benefits. Instead of a one-off reading of the meters as a ‘look into the past’, the company now benefits from ongoing real-time monitoring including important alarms and messages. In addition to water loss management, Peter Weiß also presented other innovative areas of application for the future – in keeping with the spirit of the Future Forum.
Udo Dehne (DVGW Germany) closed the circle with a “water policy demands paper” and spoke plainly on the subject of bureaucracy in the water industry. His appeal: “Politicians must back the water suppliers instead of burdening them even more. Because only if the framework conditions are right will water suppliers have the freedom to focus on their actual core task: namely the safe supply of drinking water to the population. The reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, clear regulations and government support for innovations are essential for the safety of tomorrow. Another of Udo Dehne’s main concerns is to raise public awareness of the value of water. He spoke from the heart of the many people present who are passionate about their profession.
What would a Future Forum be without a connection to the grassroots? The day got off to an active start with an excursion to the Weinitzen elevated tank. During the tour of the local spring areas and modern facilities, it once again became clear what critical and valuable infrastructure water suppliers are responsible for on a daily basis. This look “into the field” created the perfect basis for the subsequent strategy discussions.
The afternoon was then all about creativity. After intensive workshops and open group discussions moderated by Gerald Hackl (Trigon), the participants simulated a “press conference” on water supply in the year 2030. The visions presented there painted a picture of “Waterworks 6.0”: a lean, highly digitalized operation in which robots and AI take over routine tasks so that people can concentrate on strategic decisions and more “humanity“.
One central idea was evident throughout the forum: a modern “Waterworks 6.0” needs intelligent processes and robots, but above all it also needs humanity. Enthusiasm, lifelong learning and a strong network are needed to win the “war for talent” and win over those who are sceptical about digitalization. All participants agreed on this: We do an “awesome job”! And that’s exactly what we need to convey and maintain to the outside world.
The technical part came to a harmonious conclusion with a joint dinner. In a relaxed atmosphere, contacts were deepened, new ideas were spun and – as had been the case throughout the day – there was plenty of laughter. It is clear that a community has emerged here that supports each other and really wants to put the ideas from the Future Forum into practice.
When you see how passionate the participants at the press conference were about the year 2030, you know that the water industry is ready. This intensive exchange helps us to continue to align our technology precisely with practice and create real added value for the digitalization of utilities. We are going home with an incredible amount of inspiration and are already looking forward to continuing on this path with our pioneers.
Philip Kozeny
CTO, SYMVARO GmbH
We would like to say a huge thank you to all the speakers and participants who made this day so special with their passion and knowledge. We are proud to walk this path together!
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