Celebrating The 15-Year Evolution Of The Smart Water Networks Forum

This year, the Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN), a global non-profit proudly celebrates its 15th anniversary. What began as a visionary initiative to promote data-driven water networks has expanded into a global community of utilities, technology providers, and industry experts working collectively to advance the water sector.

Since its founding in 2010, SWAN has driven awareness, education, and adoption of smart water solutions, helping the industry shift from reactive to predictive approaches. Today, SWAN supports over 350 member organizations across 45 countries and operates multiple regional alliances and thematic technical communities of practice.

A Journey of Innovation and Impact
Over the years, SWAN has expanded its mission to address not only drinking water, but also wastewater and stormwater, reflecting the evolving needs of the global water sector. In 2011, SWAN introduced the 5-Layer Model, which has become a globally recognized framework for defining what a smart water network is and how it interconnects. This model was updated in 2021 to a circular model, incorporating people, processes, and value creation, or the “why” of the smart water journey, which is now widely in the industry. Below is a timeline of SWAN’s evolution.

From launching the Digital Twin Work Group to fostering the Rising Smart Water Professionals (RiSWP) program for young talent, SWAN continues to drive innovation, and knowledge-sharing through webinars, workshops, conferences, reports and tools.

A Tribute to SWAN’s Founders
SWAN’s remarkable journey would not have been possible without the vision and dedication of its founders: Amir Peleg (TaKaDu), Simon Bunn (formerly Derceto), Marc Bracken (formerly Echologics), Andrew Burrows (formerly i2O Water), Manuel Parra (formerly Telvent), and Pascal Bonnefoi (Schneider Electric). Their foresight in recognizing the potential of data technologies to revolutionize water networks laid the groundwork that has empowered the global water industry to tackle critical issues like water scarcity, infrastructure resilience, and digital transformation.

"When we launched SWAN, our focus was on defining what SMART meant for the water sector. Today, it’s all about SCALE, bringing digital solutions to every utility,” said Amir Peleg, CEO & Founder of TaKaDu and SWAN’s first Council Chair.

SWAN’s CEO, Dr. Amir Cahn further remarked, “We are deeply grateful to our founders for their bold vision and unwavering commitment to advancing the smart water sector. Their leadership sparked a movement that continues to drive meaningful change, ensuring a more sustainable and resilient water future for communities worldwide.”

Looking Ahead
As SWAN celebrates its journey thus far, it remains steadfast in its mission to continue pushing the boundaries of possibility in smart water management. With the collective support of its members and the inspiration of its founders, SWAN is poised to lead the way in tackling global water challenges through digital innovation and collaboration.

SWAN invites utilities, technology providers, and industry to join its global flock and contribute to transforming the water sector, together.

For more information about SWAN and its initiatives, visit www.swan-forum.com.