80th Anniversary

The Institute of Water is proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025, marking eight decades of developing our people and sector.

Our History

80 Years of IWater

This milestone highlights the collective achievements of our members, volunteers, affiliates and partners over the years.

Our year-long campaign, “80 Years of IWater”, will feature a series of activities, recognition initiatives, testimonials, and publications designed to honour our legacy, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.

We invite everyone to explore this webpage to learn more about our anniversary campaign and discover how you can get involved.

Celebrating 80 Years of Community

At our recent 80th Anniversary Celebration, we sat down with Heidi Mottram CBE, Chief Executive of Northumbrian Water Group and IWater Past President, to reflect on this milestone year and what it truly means to work in the water sector.

In this interview, Heidi highlights what makes IWater so unique: “What it does more than any other institute I’ve been involved with is create a community — and I think that’s pretty unique.”

80 Years, 80 Voices

As part of our 80 Years of IWater campaign, we’re running a storytelling series called “80 Years, 80 Voices”, which highlights the experiences of our members, volunteers, and affiliates, celebrating their involvement with IWater and their careers in the water sector. We’re sharing these powerful stories across our newsletters, social media channels, website, YouTube channel, and at events throughout the year. Here are just a few quotes from some of our fantastic contributors:

“Life at North West Water Ltd. began after graduating from Lancashire Polytechnic in 1989, some 35+ years ago.

A two-year distribution trainee placement followed in the Blackburn works office, where I was actively encouraged to join the IWO (now IWater) in 1992…

Twelve years ago, I volunteered to become a mentor to Network Apprentices, which I thoroughly enjoyed and benefited from for personal development.

IWater has an extremely important role to play in supporting and advising the water industry in AMP8 and beyond. We have many experts with bags of experience readily available; make use of them.

My advice to the next generation: be humble, be kind and live your life with integrity.”

Wing-Shum Lee IEng MIWater CEnv

Network Performance Engineer North

United Utilities

“I began working in the Water Industry in July 1966 at the age of 17 as a Trainee Engineering Technician with Berwickshire County Council. I worked with the County Water Engineer, Deputy County Water Engineer and Superintendent, learning the business of providing a constant water supply to the consumers in the area…

I believe that becoming Registered as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Engineering Technician (EngTech) … demonstrates that you have the knowledge and awareness of modern equipment and techniques available to the industry and the ability to adopt the most appropriate of these in your everyday work projects. Also, a good recognition of customer expectations and the need to carry out work with as little disruption as possible.

I would encourage all who have the correct qualifications or experience to undertake a Professional Review to become registered.”

Sandy Squires IEng MICE DMS MSc MCIM FIWater

“I entered the industry as a 2^nd year student placement in the labs and two years later moved to a call centre and out-of-hours control room. My line manager was the Institute of Water Officers’ Scottish Area Secretary, and on the day I started, there was only a form and a pen on my desk. This is when I joined The IWO (now IWater), and two years later, I joined the Scottish Area Committee. I was one of two female committee members.

We’ve rebranded as IWater, but the old strapline of Networking, Learning, and Developing is still true for us today. We are a conduit for the sharing of ideas, debate, and connections. We are still a provider of mentoring as we strive to bring out the potential in people and recognise their contributions regardless of age, societal standing, gender, race, or religion.

I’ve seen and been involved in many changes within the industry and IWater, and I’m immensely proud of them both. The journey we have been on will continue with the next generations, and my hope is that the environment we have built and the values we stand for are taken forward to whatever the future evolves to be.”

Kathy Irvine CEnv FIWater

Change Lead

Scottish Water

“I was advised to join the Association of Water Officers, as it was known back in 1987, as it would be good for my career, my job and my relationship with my then boss. So, I did!

In the early days, I got to meet our founder, Dr Allen Bolton, and many of the original association members who did so much for this organisation.

In 1988, the association became the Institute of Water Officers, and we started catering for all sorts of events to reach out to a wider audience. We also had privatisation to deal with and get our heads around, which provided some new topics for events.

Treasurer, Events Co-ordinator, Chair and National Representative were all roles I was proud to hold in the SW area, so I jumped at the chance of being Neil Morton’s National Vice Chair in 2007, and then followed the great man into the National Chair role (2008-10).

I still attend events when I can, and I am still in touch with many colleagues, good friends in many cases. We did have some fun, but we also learned an awful lot and built up a great industry network. I for one will be raising a toast and wishing the Institute of Water a very happy 80^th birthday.”

Simon Bennett

Market Improvement Lead

MOSL

“I first came across the Association of Water Officers when they ran a 1-day conference ‘Computing in the Water Industry’. This was in the early 1980s when PCs had yet to become widespread.

The annual conference the following year was in Glasgow and had sessions looking to the future. Over drinks in the bar, I met two network managers from Portsmouth Water, John Stein and Mick White. They persuaded me to join. From there, I worked alongside the redoubtable Allen Bolton as well as many other people, some of whom are still great friends of mine.

At this time of challenge for the water industry, the Institute’s role is more important than ever. A huge increase in numbers in the industry is needed, and these people will need support and training, which is the whole ethos of the Institute. The Institute really does welcome everyone, and I look forward to it being a beacon of leadership in equality, diversity and inclusion in the industry and even more widely.

We must ensure that all our members maintain a strong ethical stance in all that we do. The water industry is as important to the health of the nation as the medical profession, and we should take our ethical stance just as seriously. We must communicate this in all that we do to restore the wider public’s confidence in what we do every day, day in day out. I am proud to be a member of this organisation, as I am sure are all our members.”

Jo Parker CBE CEng FIWater

Managing Director

Watershed Associates

80th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine

We’re proud to unveil a truly special release, the Commemorative Edition of the Institute of Water Magazine, marking our 80th anniversary.

This edition celebrates eight decades of developing people and shaping the UK water sector. From the specialist front cover to the coverage of our 80th Anniversary Celebration, and a selection of rich archived content, this is a truly remarkable issue.

Alongside this exclusive 80th anniversary content, you’ll find an insightful blend of thought-provoking features and member stories.

Founder Member Allen Bolton

Allen Bolton dedicated his life to the water industry. Starting as a plumber at Sutton District Water Company in 1938, he rose to Chief Inspector in 1945 and retired as Distribution Engineer in 1978 after 40 years of service.

In 1945, Allen sought an association focused on water distribution, as existing organisations didn’t fully meet his needs. This led to the formation of the Association of Water Distribution Officers on May 12, 1945, with 78 officers from the South Eastern District attending the inaugural meeting. Allen played a key role in its growth and evolution, serving as Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman, and Journal Editor at various times.

Even after retirement, Allen remained deeply involved, attending every Annual Conference and AGM until 2007, when he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. He passed away in 2011, shortly after his 100th birthday. In his honor, the Allen Bolton Award was created to recognize his lasting contributions to the industry and IWater.

Reflections from Our Board: 80 Years of IWater

“Now more than ever, being part of a professional body like IWater is so important. Members gain access to exclusive learning opportunities, industry insights, and a supportive family that fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive positive change. As we celebrate 80 years of developing people in the water sector, we remain as committed to our mission as we were eight decades ago. There has never been a better time to get involved.”

Gabrielle Mandell, Chief Executive, Institute of Water

“The benefits of being part of a community are well known. As an IWater volunteer and Board member, I have experienced firsthand the positive impact that professional development and strong networks have on water professionals. IWater has long been the driving force in supporting individuals no matter the stage of their career. During this anniversary year, a focus on development and connection within our industry is more important than ever. Any water professional who isn’t a member of the IWater community is truly missing out!”

Matt Bower, Chair, Institute of Water and Team Leader, DWQR

“I have been a member of IWater for many years and for me, its unique selling point is that it is designed for water people by water people across all disciplines that relate to water from Accountants, Lawyers, HR, and Retail professionals to Engineers, Ecologists, and even Microbiologists. The culture of the organisation is inclusive and supportive and I have personally gained and learned a lot from being a member.”

David Hinton, Board Member, Institute of Water and Chief Executive, South East Water

“It’s true to say that I would not be where I am today in my career it wasn’t for the Institute of Water. From the personal opportunities that IWater have supported (professional registration, award recognition and the Rising Star’s programme) to the professional networks from the IWater family that I call upon frequently, the Institute of Water is an organisation that I wouldn’t be without. I couldn’t be more honoured to be National Vice-Chair at such a crucial moment in history for IWater and very excited to be celebrating it’s 80 years!”

Kara Sadler CSci, Vice Chair, Institute of Water and Head of Water Quality, South Staffs and Cambridge Water

“The development opportunities available to IWater members cannot be overstated. As a young professional within the water industry, IWater has been monumental in my own professional development. As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, I am more confident than ever that collaboration between early careers professionals and those with industry experience is vital to the future success of the sector. It’s clear the IWater community is proud to support the development of our members, as well as championing collaboration across the water industry.”

Abbie Mowat, Board Member, Institute of Water and Management Systems Specialist, Scottish Water

“I first was made aware of the Institute of Water in 2006 (or Institute of Water Officers as it was known then). Little did I know at that time the effect being a member would have, not just on me personally but also on my career. The development opportunities available and the networking means you are very much part of a family from the moment you join and having experienced many conferences, committees, events and meetings across my time with IWater, I also know I’ve made a lot of good friends along the way.”

Stephen Youell CEnv CSci, Head of Operational Control & Incident Management, Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water

“I always thought that I wasn’t an institutional type of person. Someone who wouldn’t join any organisation that would have me as a member, to misquote Groucho Marx. Ten years ago, I was finally persuaded to join IWater. In those 10 years I’ve learnt so much and met so many interesting people – all of them passionate about and proud of working in water. Membership has given me opportunities to further my career in ways I could never have imagined. And it’s been fun!”

Professor Ian Barker CEnv FIWater, Board Member, Institute of Water

Get Involved in Celebrating 80 Years of IWater!

Help us spread the word about IWater’s 80th Anniversary and join in the celebration! We’ve created a range of downloadable resources, including graphics, banners, and templates, to make it easy for you to share the excitement with your networks.

Whether you’re a member, volunteer, or sponsor, your voice plays a vital role in highlighting this incredible milestone, that’s why we’re also collecting testimonials, videos and photographs. Contact us to learn more.

Our Sponsors

As part of our 80 Years of IWater campaign, we are proud to be sponsored by the following companies:

Adler & Allan is a trusted leader in environmental and risk management services, offering cutting-edge solutions to protect businesses, communities, and the environment. We enable utilities companies to overcome the biggest environmental challenges of the 21st century. With a strong focus on environmental resilience, compliance, and sustainability, the company provides expert consultancy and operational support across the water and wastewater industry.

“Adler & Allan is proud to sponsor the Institute of Water’s 80th anniversary campaign. As environmental specialists for the water and wastewater sector, we recognise the importance of driving industry growth and supporting the people within it. We look forward to sharing our expertise and collaborating with like-minded professionals and companies throughout the year and beyond.”

Headline Sponsor

In the complex world of water infrastructure management, map16 stands at the forefront of transforming how water utilities approach asset management. Our innovative technology bridges critical gaps in water infrastructure monitoring, delivering tailored software and monitoring solutions that reduce flooding and pollution incidents. We empower water companies with advanced data analytics and intelligent monitoring, enabling them to move from reactive to proactive management. By providing comprehensive asset insights, we help organisations make more informed decisions about their critical water infrastructure. With 15 years of expertise, map16 has become a trusted partner for water utilities seeking to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability through cutting-edge technological solutions.

“For eight decades, the Institute of Water has been the cornerstone of water industry innovation. At map16, we’re proud to support this legacy of excellence, bringing our technological expertise to help shape the future of water infrastructure. Together, we’re not just managing assets – we’re safeguarding communities and driving sustainable solutions for generations to come.”