SWAN Announces 5th Senior Utility Advisory Group To Guide Global Smart Water Efforts

The Smart Water Networks Forum (SWAN) is pleased to introduce the fifth cohort of its senior Utility Advisory Group (UAG) featuring five, global SWAN utility experts from India, Australia, Canada, Portugal, Brazil, and the US.

UAG Members will collaborate by exploring concrete utility challenges, uncovering regional trends, and identifying strategic research priorities. Selected based on their extensive industry contributions and leadership experience, this cohort will support SWAN future planning, review current global initiatives and research outputs, as well as share utility-centric input to drive continued value for SWAN’s rapidly growing smart water ecosystem.

The 5th SWAN Utility Advisory Group Members include:

• Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman – Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (India)
• Zonetta E. English, Strategic Initiatives & Project Director – Louisville MSD (US)
• David Hughes-Owen, CEO – Busselton Water (Australia)
• Joana Araújo, Operations Management Centre Coordinator – Águas e Energia do Porto (Portugal)
• Arash Farajian, Manager Field Innovation Team – Toronto Water (Canada)
• Denis Maia, Chief Customer and Technology Officer – Sabesp (Brazil)

Learn more about the impressive SWAN UAG cohort HERE.

"I personally love the vision of SWAN and its role in shaping the future of smart water globally. I look forward to working closely with the UAG to drive meaningful collaboration and practical solutions to the complex water challenges we face today."
– Dr. Ram Prasath Manohar, Chairman, Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board

"I am honoured to join SWAN’s Utility Advisory Group and to contribute my experience in operations management and service continuity within a public utility context. I look forward to collaborating with peers from across the global water sector to strengthen operational resilience, advance smart water practices, and support the reliable delivery of essential services through data, technology, and innovation."
– Joana Araújo, Operations Management Centre Coordinator & Business Continuity Manage, Águas e Energia do Porto

This timely announcement comes with much anticipation for the SWAN 16th Annual Conference to be held from June 2-4, 2026 in Tampa, Florida with support from the event’s lead utility partner, Hillsborough County Water Resources Department. SWAN UAG Members will provide strategic feedback to help shape the Conference agenda focused on “Adapting your digital journey.” Learn more about the Conference and register HERE.