South Africa’s water challenges demand innovative solutions – and water reuse continues to stand at the forefront of sustainable water management. The Water Reuse Regional Symposium, held biannually, is the region’s leading platform for sharing knowledge, experiences, and advancements in water reclamation and reuse.
This year’s WISA Water Reclamation and Reuse Symposium takes place from 29–30 September 2025 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Umhlanga, Durban, bringing together global experts, industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers. The event promises two days of critical discussions, case studies, and workshops focused on the future of water reuse.
What to Expect at the 2025 Symposium
The symposium will spotlight key challenges and opportunities in water reuse, providing attendees with insights into:
- Water reuse planning and design – exploring innovative approaches and infrastructure solutions.
- Industrial water reuse – learning from leading industries implementing circular water practices.
- Building capacity in South Africa – strengthening analytical and technical expertise for future projects.
- Governance and policy frameworks – shaping effective regulation and risk management strategies.
- Social sciences and stakeholder engagement – understanding the human and community dimensions of reuse projects.
Who Should Attend?
The symposium is designed for professionals and stakeholders across the water value chain, including:
- Water and wastewater treatment plant practitioners, superintendents, and managers
- Students, researchers, and academics
- Regulators and government officials
- Laboratory managers, supervisors, and technicians
- Public health and environmental safety practitioners
- Investors, funders, and project managers.
Whether you are an industry veteran or a student entering the field, this event offers valuable knowledge and networking opportunities.
Programme Highlights
Day 1 – Monday, 29 September 2025
Opening Plenary:
- Welcome Address by Megan Schalkwyk, Water Reuse Division Chair
- Keynote 1: Lessons Learned from Cape Town’s Day Zero – Mike Killick, City of Cape Town
- Keynote 2: Ethekwini Water Reuse Case Study – Sydney Masha, Ethekwini Municipality
Workshops & Governance Sessions:
- HACCP process and risk management in water reuse (Zutari, AHL Water, CBSS)
Afternoon Sessions:
- Case studies on water reuse planning and design (JG Afrika)
- Industrial water reuse best practices (Coca-Cola, NuWater)
- Public-private partnerships and technology evaluations (Wingoc, CSIR)
Day 2 – Tuesday, 30 September 2025
- Technical sessions and networking opportunities
- Plant Visit: A guided tour of the Southern Wastewater Treatment Works in Durban, showcasing real-world water recycling in action
View the Full Programme Here.
Why Attend?
This symposium is more than a technical conference – it’s a chance to build partnerships, exchange knowledge, and help shape the policies and practices that will define the future of water reuse in South Africa and beyond. With growing water scarcity challenges, the solutions shared here will play a vital role in ensuring resilience, sustainability, and equitable access to water.
