As part of our 2025 #80YearsofIWater campaign, we’re proud to be running a storytelling series called “80 Years, 80 Voices.” For this contribution, we’re sharing a blog authored by IWater Affiliate, ELIQUO HYDROK.
ELIQUO HYDROK is part of a global network of companies that strive to protect our most precious resource; water.
As a leading water engineering solutions company, working alongside all the major water utility companies in the UK and Ireland, ELIQUO HYDROK provides innovative, environmentally considerate, cost-effective and practical solutions. With an extensive portfolio of products and solutions (for wastewater management, wastewater treatment, clean water treatment, surface water management and sludge treatment), we bring a wealth of project experience and learnings.
With established teams in Cornwall, Wolverhampton and Wombwell, ELIQUO HYDROK are well-equipped to support operations – from start to finish; with design, manufacture, management and install capabilities – across the UK and Ireland. This wealth of in-house expertise is backed by a forward-thinking mindset to help customers achieve their long-term goals sustainably; to deliver results in AMP 8 and beyond.
Alongside the Institute of Water and fellow members, much of what we do aims to reduce harmful impacts on the water environment as much as possible… It’s what drives us. ELIQUO HYDROK has been a proud Company Affiliate with IWater for over 12 years and it’s fantastic to share in the 80th anniversary celebrations.
Now more than ever, it’s important for Water Companies to be part of the conversation and pull together to ensure the long-term success of the water sector. Membership with the Institute of Water facilitates these important discussions through focus groups, conferences and webinars.
Most recently, colleagues attended the IWater webinar ‘The Cunliffe Review: A Turning Point for the Industry?’ This particular conversation is, of course, significant for all of us across the water industry as the findings of the Cunliffe Review have far-reaching implications. Knowledge sharing in the industry is vital to enable all UK water professionals to deepen our understanding, strive towards positive change and deliver better outcomes for our customers and the environment.
Peter Wroe, Managing Director and individual member of IWater, commented:
“IWater’s webinar enabled a timely discussion with industry leaders on the key findings, their implications, and whether this could mark the beginning of the transformative change we’ve all been anticipating. Whilst everyone recognised the enormity of the challenges ahead, I think the overwhelming message was one of hope – we are all here for the right reasons and want the sector to succeed, so it’s up to us to do our part.
I’m looking forward to connecting with peers at the Annual Conference later this year in Plymouth. The theme is all about driving actionand gaining practical insights to help us, as an industry, turn our ambition into impact. Eliquo Hydrok are proud to be a part of the change and we look forward to continuing the conversation.”
If you’d like to read more of the contributions to our 80 Years, 80 Voices campaign, head over to our LinkedIn, or view our dedicated campaign page.
The IWater Inspire Award celebrates individuals across the water sector who uplift, empower and influence others through leadership, support and professional development. These are the people who help shape the careers of others while leaving a legacy that strengthens our community.
First awarded in 2024 to Peter Simpson, former CEO of Anglian Water Services and former IWater President, the award recognises those who go beyond their own success to elevate others. Peter was honoured for his inspirational leadership, commitment to talent development, and the long-term impact of his work in the sector.
We’re now inviting IWater members to submit nominations for the 2025 award. We’re looking for individuals who:
- Inspire excellence in others, encouraging ambition and growth
- Demonstrate leadership that strengthens the sector or our IWater community
- Support professional development, whether through mentoring, training, or opening up new opportunities
- Leave a lasting legacy, with a positive and ongoing impact on peers and the wider profession
If someone comes to mind—a colleague, mentor or leader—now’s the time to recognise them.
Key details:
- Who can be nominated? IWater members
- Who can nominate? All IWater members
- Deadline: Submit nominations by 30th June 2025
- Winner announcement: 18th September 2025, at our President’s Dinner and Awards Evening in Plymouth
Submit Your Nomination HERE
Celebrate the people whose actions continue to inspire and shape our industry.
As part of our “80 Years of IWater” campaign, we’re proud to celebrate the extraordinary career of Sandy Squires IEng MICE DMS MSc MCIM FIWater. A passionate and dedicated professional, Sandy began his journey in the water industry in 1966 at the age of 17 and has been an active member of IWater for over 52 years. His story reflects not only personal achievement but also the evolution of the UK water industry over more than five decades.
“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. This involved surveying for new water mains, supervising the works of direct labour gangs who laid and renewed water mains.
In 1968, the South East of Scotland Water Board was formed and all staff were transferred to it. I was appointed a Civil Engineering Technician covering the Berwickshire area. The role involved the designing of new and renewal of water schemes, preparing Bills of Quantities and Estimates, plan preparation and site supervision of construction. During this period, I was awarded an HNC in Civil Engineering at Napier College, Edinburgh.
In 1975, the Water Boards in Scotland were dissolved and responsibility for all Water Industry works was returned to the Regional Council.
I was appointed Area Technician Operations with the Borders Regional Council. I worked with the Area Engineer responsible for the operation, maintenance, repair and improvement of the water supply treatment and distribution function in Selkirkshire and Berwickshire areas of the Borders Region.
In 1979, I obtained the post of Distribution Officer in Lancaster and District, part of North West Wate,r responsible for the management of the water mains, distribution network, operation of the area control room, drawing office, inspectors and supervisory staff and works gang.
Following reorganisation, I was appointed Sub-District Manager at Kendal, responsible for setting up the organisation of a new depot to carry out the management of the water mains network and the Direct Labour organisation in Kendal. During this time, I achieved a Diploma in Management Studies (DMS). I was then the Sub District Manager in the Lancaster Area.
Following reorganisation, I was appointed System Manager in Fylde and North Lancashire, working for North West Water, engaged in the management and operation of the Water Mains Network, identifying improvement projects and ensuring that customers received a good standard of service. During this time, I completed an MSc in Management (part-time). Privatisation of the Water Industry took place during this time.
I was then appointed Territory Manager in Preston and Ribble Valley to be the face of United Utilities in the district, responsible for Hodder Water Treatment works in the Hodder Valley and White Bull Water Treatment Works, Preston and responsible for the wastewater distribution function. This role required a good understanding of the principles of water supply and wastewater treatment and the operation of the water mains networks. There was also a responsibility for all customer issues and media approaches in the area, I was required to be proactive with local media.
In 2000, I came off-line to write a Technical Licence as required by the Drinking Water Inspectorate. I retired from United Utilities in 2002. During this period, I obtained an NVQ D32, D33 Assessors certificate.
I then became a part-time NVQ Assessor – University of Central Lancashire, carrying out assessments of Candidates undertaking the NVQ in Utility Planning and Management Level 4. This also involved presentations at the Induction process and preparing and presenting workshops to Candidates on the needs of the NVQ4.
In May 2003, I became a part-time Associate Lecturer at Bolton Community College, which involved presenting BTEC Advanced Diploma courses on Water and Wastewater Engineering. I also acted as Advisor to coordinate the work of students to link their work experiences between the BTEC Advanced course and the NVQ3 in Leakage Control, both of which they were undertaking. I continued to work for Bolton College until 2014.
I believe that becoming Registered as a Chartered Engineer (CEng), Incorporated Engineer (IEng), or Engineering Technician (EngTech) is recognition of your ability as an Engineer to meet the national academic and engineering standard set for the appropriate professional qualification. Achievement of these qualifications 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.”
As part of our exciting 80 Years of IWater campaign, we are launching a new series, “80 Years, 80 Voices”, where we will share personal insights, memories, and experiences from those who have played a significant role in shaping the Institute of Water and the wider water sector.
We are thrilled to kick off the campaign with a special blog from Simon Bennett, Market Improvement Lead at MOSL, who reflects on his journey as an IWater volunteer and member. Simon has been a valued part of our community for many years, and his contributions have helped guide IWater through a period of significant transformation.
Simon began his journey with IWater as a volunteer for the South West Area in 1988, and later served as Chair of the Board from 2008-2010 during a pivotal time of rebranding. As Chair, Simon’s dedication to fostering a collaborative environment helped lay the foundation for many of the initiatives we continue to enjoy today, including the Area Forum, which has been an essential space for knowledge sharing and strategic planning with our volunteer network.
We are excited to share Simon’s story as the first in our 80 Years, 80 Voices series and look forward to featuring more stories that highlight the growth and achievements of IWater and its members, volunteers and partners.
Simon reflects on his time with IWater over the years:
“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!
Back then it was a very middle-aged male-dominated, engineering-based association that seemed to still be stuck in the 1950s.
Within a year, I was on the South West (SW) area committee as honorary treasurer, trying to locate monies from various committee members, accounts, and presenting the annual accounts at the AGM. I had to buy a ‘teach yourself accounting’ book to help me.
In the early days, I also 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 the average age of the SW committee dropped by 10 years, 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. Legends like Richard Barton, Barry Short and Kevin North joined the committee, and it was a great and fun place to be.
Back then the main sponsorship came from the water companies, and in 1993 the SW area successfully held its first overseas weekend school in Ireland as guests of the Dublin Corporation. I can remember staying in Bray, dancing at a traditional Irish-speaking club, taking 10 delegates to Dublin’s finest museums and, of course, the water treatment works in the beautiful Wicklow mountains. This was the start of several excellent overseas visits including France, Belgium, and Jersey (a member of the SW area at the time).
The events also started to improve, and we started to bring in industry suppliers’ sponsorship via the successful annual golf day and their own suppliers’ day, which was a first for the Institute at the time. We also started joint area events with the Midlands and South East areas, having met some of their members at national conferences. It was a successful time for the Institute and events were very well supported.
As an area we also helped put on three successful Bristol [Annual] Conferences in 2000, 2006 and 2012. I made my speaking debut in 2006 talking about the history of Bristol, my home city. Conferences – especially the sponsors’ evening – were fun events. Who can forget the Robin Hood evening in Nottingham, Wine Street in Swansea, monkeying around at Bristol Zoo, singing sea shanties on the SS Great Britain, dancing at Belfast City Hall and drinks at Stormont, and the football quiz evening at Newcastle’s St James Park.
Please note – I blame Richard Barton (former National Chair), Kevin North, Barry Light and Ian Limb (former National Chair) for everything and anything that may have happened. It was never me!
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). The role was generally a one-year term of office, but due to a rebrand and name change I covered two.
What an honour it was receiving my chain of office at King’s College Cambridge and working closely with then President Jack Carnell and the Gateshead head office team.
We had just started the quarterly area forum meetings, which I managed to move around the country. The forum was a great way of sharing good practice and areas supporting each other as well as putting on more joint events. It was a busy but rewarding experience and I received great support from my Vice Chair, Maureen Casagrande. I stayed on the SW committee for a couple more years after that and was made a Fellow.
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 was pleased to get involved in the mentoring scheme and share all that knowledge and experience before it was lost.
I for one will be raising a toast and wishing the Institute of Water a very happy 80th birthday.”