The Royal Agricultural University (RAU), in celebration of its 180th anniversary, hosted a highly successful and thought-provoking lecture entitled “Water, Wastewater Everywhere… Every Drop Counts!” on the evening of Wednesday 12^th November 2025. The event, held in collaboration with the Water Research Centre (WRc), served as a vital forum for discussing the future of sustainable water, stormwater and wastewater management.

The lecture drew a diverse and engaged audience, including senior councillors, industry innovators, representatives from the Environment Agency, farmers, and academics from across the sector.

Key Insights & Speakers

The evening featured inspiring presentations on agricultural wastewater reuse and circularity, emphasising the potential of nature-based engineering solutions to transform water management practices.

• Professor Kiran Tota-Maharaj, Professor of Water Resources Management & Infrastructure at RAU and WRc’s Technical Director-Water, Wastewater and Environmental Engineering
• Andy Blackhall, Managing Director from WRc (Water Research Centre Ltd).

Outcomes & Collaboration

The event proved to be a powerful catalyst for cross-sector dialogue and future initiatives:

• Council Interest: Senior councillors engaged in discussions about WRc’s advisory services, paving the way for potential future collaborations on sustainable water strategies.
• Technological Advancement: Cutting-edge technologies were spotlighted, generating significant interest in their potential to reshape the water sector’s operational landscape.
• Industry Partnership: Tech suppliers and attendees participated in vibrant conversations about new business opportunities, underscoring the event’s role in fostering critical industry partnerships.

The genuine engagement between researchers, farmers, and policymakers highlighted that sustainable water management is a pressing societal need with profound practical implications for communities, businesses, and the environment. Students and staff from RAU also played a crucial role, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application and demonstrating the next generation’s commitment to these challenges. WRc generously sponsored the drinks reception, contributing to the evening’s atmosphere of shared purpose and renewed commitment to advancing sustainable water practices.