Author: Lisa Yeboah is currently a PhD student at Iowa State University. She completed her M.S. in Water and Environmental Management at the University of Bristol, UK. Her research focuses on exploring new and innovative technologies for water reuse applications in small water systems.
Attending the 2024 Iowa Water Conference was such an amazing experience, especially for a first timer like me. It was more than just a ‘professional’ event to me. It was a gathering of experts delving into issues concerning sustainability, water quality, and other issues that affects us all in so many ways. Going into it, I expected to learn a few things, but I came away with much more than I’d anticipated, including a renewed sense of how much we can accomplish when we work together.
One of the most interesting parts of the conference was hearing from speakers with very different backgrounds. Farmers, environmental experts, city planners, and scientists all came together to discuss the future of water in Iowa and beyond. I learned how water management connects to all areas of life, from farming and health to community development and local economies. It was eye-opening to see that some of the water-friendly practices we talked about aren’t just beneficial for the environment; they’re also practical and beneficial for people’s livelihoods.
One of the keynote sessions by Dr. Kaoru Ikuma, which I thoroughly enjoyed and which continues to hammer on me because my research also focuses on small communities, emphasized the urgent need for action given the growing global water crisis, the need for marginalized communities to be a part of the key decision-making process, and the critical role of water security in achieving broader sustainable development goals. What was the main takeaway from this keynote? Efforts to ensure water security need to involve inclusive and integrated approaches to achieve equitable access.
Among the numerous benefits of attending this conference was meeting other attendees who share a similar passion for these issues. Sharing ideas and being able to relate to some of these issues further emphasized their importance. I left the conference feeling more connected to a community that genuinely wants to create change.
Overall, the Iowa Water Conference was an inspiring event that reminded me how much we can accomplish when we work together toward a common goal. I came back with a deeper understanding of the water challenges we face and practical ideas for how to be part of the solution. For anyone interested in learning more about our water resources or how we can all play a role in protecting them, I would highly recommend attending this conference. It’s a truly meaningful experience that leaves you motivated to make a difference.