Desalination And Reuse Event Explores Water Resilient Future

European Desalination Association (EDS) announces conference and exhibition in Liverpool, UK, on 4-7 May 2027.

As global demand for freshwater continues to rise, the need for innovative solutions has never been more critical. In the UK, England alone could face a public water supply shortfall of up to 5 billion litres per day by 2055.

Meeting this challenge will require a broader, more resilient mix of water resources. Desalination, water recycling and demand management are playing an increasingly important role alongside other measures to secure future supplies.

Against this backdrop, the European Desalination Society (EDS) is proud to announce its upcoming conference and exhibition on the theme, Water Resilience: Desalination, Recycling & Clean Water Solutions. The event will be held at the Liverpool Experience (LEX) Campus in the UK, from 4-7 May 2027.

This gathering will bring together leading experts from industry and academia to discuss sustainable approaches to water scarcity at this multi-purpose event complex, positioned on Liverpool's heritage waterfront.

Addressing the water crisis

With climate change, population growth, and urbanisation exerting unprecedented pressure on freshwater resources, many countries, in Europe and worldwide, face significant challenges in ensuring water security. As conventional water resources come under increasing pressure, desalination and water recycling are emerging as important options within a diversified and resilient water-supply portfolio.

Desalination can provide a reliable, drought-resilient source of water, particularly in coastal regions, reducing dependence on rainfall-dependent freshwater resources. Water recycling can complement this by treating wastewater effluent to produce a reliable alternative water source for industrial, agricultural and other non-potable applications, as well as for potable reuse where appropriate.

Together, desalination and water recycling can diversify water supplies, reduce pressure on conventional freshwater sources and strengthen resilience to drought and climate variability.

The importance of reuse and recycling

• Maximising Resource Efficiency: Recycling water supports a circular economy model, treating and recycling water to reduce demand on new sources 
• Wastewater Treatment: Advanced treatment can produce high-quality recycled water for industrial, agricultural, environmental and, where appropriate regulatory and public-health frameworks are in place, potable applications.

Sustainability goals 

• Diversifying Water Resources: Desalination and water recycling can reduce pressure on conventional freshwater sources and improve resilience by expanding and diversifying the available water-supply portfolio. 
• Energy and Carbon Efficiency: Advances in treatment processes, membranes, energy recovery and renewable energy integration are helping reduce the energy and carbon intensity of desalination and water recycling. Depending on local circumstances, recycling can also provide an energy-efficient alternative to developing distant or more energy-intensive water sources.

Innovative technologies 

• Advanced Treatment Technologies: Developments in reverse osmosis, nanofiltration, and other membrane-based and advanced treatment processes are improving treatment efficiency, reliability, and water quality while expanding the range of waters that can be treated and reused. 
• Innovation and Digitalisation: From next-generation membranes and advanced treatment processes to energy recovery, advanced monitoring, artificial intelligence and digital twins, innovation is changing how desalination and water reuse systems are designed, operated and optimised.

Resilience against climate variability 

• Climate Resilience: Desalination and water recycling can provide alternative water sources that are less dependent on rainfall, helping diversify supplies and strengthen resilience during drought and periods of water scarcity. 
• Delivering Water Sustainably: As desalination and recycling expand, environmental performance must remain central to their development. Reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, responsibly managing brine and treatment residuals, protecting aquatic and marine environments, and integrating renewable energy are important areas of continuing innovation.

Circularity and resource recovery 

• Future water systems can go beyond treating water for discharge or recycling. Opportunities to recover valuable resources from wastewater, brines and treatment residuals, including nutrients, minerals, metals and energy, can support the transition towards more circular water systems.

Water for industry  

• Growing and emerging industries are creating new water challenges and opportunities. EDS2027 will explore desalination, water recycling, and advanced treatment solutions for sectors such as data centres, green hydrogen, mining, and other water-intensive industries, including opportunities for high-recovery treatment and resource recovery.

Event highlights

• Global knowledge exchange: EDS2027 will bring together researchers, utilities, technology providers, regulators, policymakers, consultants, industrial water users and other water-sector professionals to share knowledge, showcase innovation and discuss the practical implementation of resilient water solutions. 
• Keynote speakers: Renowned leaders in desalination, environmental science, and water management will share insights on cutting-edge research and best practices. 
• Panel discussions: Thought-provoking discussions will focus on the latest advancements in desalination technologies, water recycling methods, and integrated water resource management. 
• Workshops and networking: Attendees will engage in hands-on workshops and network with peers, fostering collaboration and innovation across sectors.

Call to action

EDS invites researchers, utilities, technology providers, regulators, policymakers, industrial water users and other stakeholders to join the international water community in the historic city of Liverpool. By bringing together research, operational experience, technological innovation and policy perspectives, EDS 2027 will provide a platform for exchanging knowledge, challenging established approaches and exploring how desalination, water recycling and other clean-water solutions can contribute to a more resilient and sustainable water future.

Registration and Information 

For more information about the event, registration details, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website at www.edsoc.com or contact us at info@edsoc.com. Join us as we work towards a resilient water future in the UK and beyond.

About the European Desalination Society 

The European Desalination Society is committed to promoting the development and implementation of desalination technologies and sustainable water management practices. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, EDS plays a critical role in addressing global water challenges.