The 2024 Water Industry International Annual Celebration brought together top minds and cutting-edge innovations, providing participants with invaluable insights into water environment restoration, sustainable technology, and industry trends. Through a series of impactful presentations, experts tackled pressing issues while offering visionary strategies for the future.
The event gathered more than 100 leading experts and 100 top-tier brands, including academic luminaries, industry leaders, and international innovators. With key topics and forward-looking reports shaping the discussions, the event set a high bar for the water industry, sparking end-of-year momentum with a powerhouse lineup of participants and groundbreaking insights.
A Vibrant Gathering of Innovation and Collaboration
3,514 Buyers Forge a Path for Industry Progress
Held with the strong backing of numerous organizations—including Tongji University, the Industrial Environmental Protection Network, and the China Water Supply and Drainage Association—showcased the collective strength of the water industry. Support also came from esteemed bodies like the China Membrane Industry Association and the Water Purification Industry Branch of the National Health Industry Enterprise Management Association.
The event featured five themed forums brimming with innovative thinking and future-focused insights, alongside participation from more than 100 renowned brands such as A.O. Smith, Pentair, Haier, and Grundfos. Together, these brands leveraged exhibitions and discussions to explore new growth drivers for the industry.
In total, 3,514 targeted buyers spanning critical sectors—including real estate developers, design institutes, engineering companies, and water utilities—gathered under one roof. Despite the chilly winter weather, the enthusiasm inside the venue was palpable. Buyers and exhibitors worked together to discuss innovations, negotiate partnerships, and pave the way for mutual growth, underscoring the event’s status as a must-attend gathering for industry professionals.
Visionary Planning for a Sustainable Future
As the water industry evolves, so do its challenges and opportunities. Over its 20-year journey, the Celebration has reflected the sector’s shifting landscape, highlighting the necessity for innovative, sustainable solutions. The 2024 edition brought together experts from government, academia, and enterprises to share strategies for ensuring the sector’s long-term, high-quality growth.
Insights included:
Safe, Healthy, and Comfortable Water Solutions: Bai Xuetao, a former deputy director at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, emphasized the growing consumer demand for tailored water purification systems. The rise of “local, water-specific, and user-centered” designs is reshaping the market, driving differentiation and innovation in water purification technology.
Market Dynamics and Overseas Expansion: Dr. Mou Xiufeng of Aino International analyzed the burgeoning water purification market in Thailand. He shared strategies for navigating trade regulations, understanding consumer preferences, and leveraging local advantages to unlock the immense potential of this growing market.
Transforming Existing Housing Markets: Wu Zhiyuan, Chairman of the China Comfort Home Industry Top 100 Integrator Club, spotlighted the trillion-yuan opportunities in renovating existing homes and upgrading outdated water systems. His focus on rapid installation solutions for old communities and elderly-friendly home upgrades inspired participants to rethink their strategies for capitalizing on this untapped sector.
The Celebration also highlighted the growing intersection between the water industry and green technology. Key presentations included:
Urban and Rural Sustainability: Professor Ma Jun, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, explored the challenges of urban and rural ecological sustainability. He proposed low-carbon development strategies supported by the latest advances in green technology, setting the stage for a sustainable future.
Sewage Treatment Innovations: Dr. Zheng Xingcan presented actionable insights into the green transformation of urban sewage treatment plants, providing real-world examples of sustainable practices.
From smart technologies to low-carbon solutions, the event demonstrated the industry’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges while ensuring business viability.
Key Insights from Leading Experts
Comprehensive Water Environment Treatment
Professor Chen Feiyong, Dean of the Institute of Resources and Environment at Shandong Jianzhu University, showcased successful cases of water environment restoration, blending rich practical experience with academic expertise. His presentation offered actionable solutions and a wealth of ideas for participants seeking to implement ecological restoration projects.
Innovations in Membrane Technology
Professor Hou Lian, a distinguished environmental engineer and academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, addressed key challenges in membrane technology for healthy water preparation. His report provided a roadmap for overcoming technical obstacles in developing advanced membranes, guiding future innovations in water treatment.
Urban Water Resilience through Rainwater and Sewage Management
Professor Xu Zuxin, academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and Tongji University, delivered the closing report, emphasizing the integration of rainwater and sewage management to enhance urban water environment safety. His forward-thinking strategies provided critical inspiration for cities aiming to improve resilience and sustainability.
Antibiotic Waste Treatment and Resource Utilization
Dr. Ma Yongwen, from the School of Environment and Energy at South China University of Technology, explored antibiotic fermentation slag and wastewater treatment, highlighting their unique challenges and pollution characteristics. His detailed analysis of recovery and resource utilization methods shed light on the environmental and economic benefits of rethinking waste management in pharmaceutical production.
Electrochemical Technology for High-Salt Wastewater
Professor Zhang Lehua of East China University of Science and Technology presented innovations in low-consumption electrochemical treatment technology. By explaining the science of energy and chemical conversion at charged interfaces, Professor Zhang offered participants both practical knowledge and thought-provoking ideas for addressing high-salt wastewater issues.
Forward Osmosis Membranes for Industrial Wastewater
Professor Huang Manhong of Donghua University discussed the recovery of pollutants from industrial wastewater using forward osmosis membranes. By capturing valuable materials such as precious metals, she demonstrated how sustainable practices can both mitigate pollution and yield economic benefits.
Transforming Sewage Treatment: From Challenges to Innovations
China’s urban sewage treatment systems have achieved remarkable growth but also revealed key shortcomings. During the Celebration, experts delved into solutions for enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Green and Low-Carbon Operations
Yang Xulei, sludge workshop director at Shanghai Bailonggang Sewage Treatment Plant, shared practical strategies to boost sludge drying and incineration efficiency.
Zou Boyuan, technical supervisor at Shanghai Chengtou, introduced the sludge hydrothermal biochar technology as a path to transform waste into soil improvers, offering a sustainable model for sludge resource utilization.
Innovative Applications in Sewage Plants
Tao Jun, Deputy Manager of Shanghai Chengtou, explored high-efficiency operational methods, while Lu Yufei, Vice President of Shanghai Fujie Environmental Protection, highlighted breakthroughs in new energy applications for sewage treatment.
Lv Yan, Manager at Shanghai Zhuyuan Sewage Plant, provided insights into the green and low-carbon transformation of facilities.
These efforts, along with the announcement of 45 benchmark sewage treatment plants, mark a critical shift toward a sustainable and low-carbon future in China’s water management.
Celebrating Excellence: A Night of Honors and Inspiration
The Celebration’s Haute Couture Dinner featured a grand “Outstanding Contribution Award” ceremony, celebrating the commitment and achievements of leading companies such as Pentair, Angel, NSF Certification, Grundfos, and Wilo. Hosted by Wang Kaijun, President of Herui Group, the event honored industry pioneers who have driven progress and innovation.
This recognition reflects the water industry’s collaborative spirit, acknowledging companies and individuals who continue to push boundaries while building a brighter, greener future.
Looking Ahead: WATERTECH CHINA 2025
As the 17th Watertech China Shanghai gears up for June 3–5, 2025, the event promises to be a pivotal moment for the global water industry. Held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Hongqiao), this premier gathering will bring together 2,500+ exhibitors and attract over 100,000 professional visitors from more than 100 countries and regions.
Key themes will include:
Green and energy-efficient solutions,
Advances in water purification,
Resource utilization of sludge,
Membrane technology and zero wastewater discharge systems.
Major players like DuPont, LG, Xylem, and Panasonic have already confirmed their participation, reinforcing the exhibition’s role as a global hub for innovation and networking.
As the industry transitions to a low-carbon, sustainable future, WATERTECH CHINA 2025 will act as a catalyst, driving progress and shaping the next phase of development under the “15th Five-Year Plan.”
Building a Greener, Brighter Future Together
The 2024 Water Industry International Celebration highlighted the remarkable achievements and forward-looking initiatives of a dynamic industry. From groundbreaking technologies to strategic collaborations, the event underscored the vital role of innovation in tackling global water challenges.
As the industry prepares for the next chapter, initiatives like WATERTECH CHINA 2025 will ensure that sustainability, efficiency, and resilience remain at the forefront. By fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing, the water industry is poised to create a future where innovation nourishes the environment and communities alike.