Since the first issue of Smart Water Magazine Monthly was published, the current news continues to focus on the coronavirus. Fortunately, and after some difficult weeks of struggle, most countries are evolving positively in the management of the pandemic, and are headed to the new normal.
The water sector can be truly satisfied as it has maintained drinking water and sanitation services to the population with top marks. Thanks to the protocols put in place by the different entities involved in integrated water cycle management, operations could continue with excellence, protecting the health of workers and providing a vital resource to prevent the transmission of disease.
In addition, the water industry is key to monitor COVID-19. Wastewater is an excellent epidemiological indicator providing an early warning of disease spread. Operators all over the world are collaborating with health authorities to detect future disease outbreaks.
As expected, water demand has decreased during this time due to lower use by industry and tourism. However, as different economic activities rebound in this new phase, water consumption will return to the usual. Hence, even though the current uncertainty, the water industry positions itself as a safe haven for international investment.
This issue of SWM Monthly identifies, through the voices of key players, an important lesson we are learning from this major crisis: water management requires a firm commitment to accelerate the digital transformation and foster public-private participation in order to harness the numerous opportunities that are emerging in relation to the achievement of the SDGs and the circular economy.
Let me invite you to read at your leisure the more than one hundred pages of this second issue of SWM Monthly, where you can find interviews, opinion pieces, features, news and other sections with world class players from the five continents. And, as you may have noticed, this issue comes back with our hallmark: a sector leader on the cover page.
Carlos Cosín, CEO of Almar Water Solutions and President of the IDA, on the cover of this SWM Monthly issue, is one of the key water industry leaders. A sharp mind to identify and harness the opportunities out there.
