The water industry is changing.
Across the globe, water utilities are navigating unprecedented challenges. Ageing infrastructure, climate change, growing resilience demands, workforce shortages and rising customer expectations are reshaping how the industry operates. As these pressures continue to grow, so does the need for smarter, faster and more collaborative ways of working.
At the heart of every response are the people who keep water flowing. Operators, field technicians, network specialists and treatment professionals make critical decisions every day to protect communities and maintain essential services. Yet despite the vital role they play, their expertise often goes unseen.
That’s exactly why the IWA Operations Challenge exists.
This October, at the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition 2026 in Glasgow, Skewb will lead the IWA Operations Challenge, bringing together water professionals from around the world to tackle realistic operational scenarios in a live control room simulation.
As a Gold Sponsor of the Congress and co-lead of the UK Pavilion, Skewb is delivering one of the event’s most immersive and interactive experiences. Drawing on its expertise in operational transformation and digital innovation, Skewb has worked alongside industry partners to create a challenge that reflects the real-world decisions operational teams face every day.
Working in teams, participants will respond to a realistic environmental incident affecting both clean water and wastewater networks. Using live operational information, digital tools and performance data, they’ll be challenged to make critical decisions in real time, mirroring the complexity and pace of day-to-day operations.
The challenge has been developed through a series of collaborative workshops with operational leaders from across the UK water sector. Organisations including Welsh Water, South West Water, Yorkshire Water, Anglian Water and Affinity Water have all contributed their expertise to help shape an authentic, engaging and industry-led experience.
For Gurvinder Badesha, Director of Delivery Operations at Skewb, the challenge represents something bigger than a simulation. It showcases one of the water sector’s greatest strengths, collaboration.
“The one thing I think the water sector does greater than any other is the sense of community and belonging. Come and actively be a part of it. Engage, be open to sharing your thoughts and challenges.”
Alongside teamwork, the Operations Challenge will explore how digital technologies can support faster, smarter operational decision-making in an increasingly complex operating environment.
As Darren Coleman, System Performance Manager at Anglian Water, explains:
“For us, it’s about exploring digital and understanding how it helps address the challenges facing our industry, particularly around water shortages and pollution. How can digital transform the way we make decisions?”
With delegates expected from more than 100 countries, the IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition provides a unique opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas and experience first-hand how collaboration, innovation and digital thinking can help shape the future of water operations.
The IWA Operations Challenge is open to organisations and individuals from across the global water sector. Whether you’re looking to put your decision-making to the test, learn from peers or contribute to conversations shaping the future of the industry, this is your opportunity to get involved.
Expressions of interest are now open and close on 10 August 2026. Register your interest below to secure your place.
