On October 15 and 16, 2024, the Institute for Sustainable Water Systems (inwa) is organizing the 4th Hof Water Symposium in cooperation with the Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V. (Water and Energy Competence Network) . Taking place on the premises of the Institute for Information Systems (iisys) at Hof University of Applied Sciences, the focus will be on securing both global and regional water supplies. Speakers include singer and water activist Rolf Stahlhofen (“Söhne Mannheims”).
Participants can expect an interactive and networking program under the guiding theme of “Securing water resources in times of drought”.
Open to experts and the public
In addition to inwa and its cooperation partner Kompetenznetzwerk Wasser und Energie e.V., many other companies from the water industry will be presenting themselves at the exhibition.
“The Hof Water Symposium is a specialist event with an integrated exhibition aimed at specialists from the water management sector. These can be those responsible for drinking water supply or wastewater disposal, but also companies that shape the water industry through their technology or software, for example.”
Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan, Director of the Institute
Representatives of the authorities and interested members of the public are also very welcome to attend the Water Symposium.
Rolf Stahlhofen: musician and committed water activist
Keynote speaker Dr. Andreas Marx from the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research in Leipzig will focus on the “Long-term water balance and drought under the influence of climate change”. Rolf Stahlhofen, founder of the Water is Right Foundation, singer and water activist, will be another keynote speaker on the topic of “Good water quality: a human right in times of climate change”. The musician, who always invests part of his fee in his foundation, has a clear goal:
We want to provide 100 million people with sufficient drinking water and sanitation facilities in the next ten years.”
Rolf Stahlhofen, musician and water activist
His vision is to solve the global water problem as far as possible by 2050.
Topic remains highly topical
Organizer and Institute Director Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan emphasizes that the topic of the symposium – despite a lot of rainfall in Germany in the first half of 2024 – is still highly topical:
‘Regionally, the critical situation of groundwater levels as well as soil moisture in the upper layers has noticeably improved. But the risk of a lack of water availability in times of drought naturally remains undiminished for many regions.”
Prof. Günter Müller-Czygan, Director of the Institute
He continues: “The consequences of a seasonal shift in precipitation are becoming increasingly visible. Summer dry periods are becoming longer, groundwater recharge in summer is continuing to decline, which is exacerbated by the reduced infiltration of heavy rainfall through dried-out soils, especially after longer dry periods.” The deputy director of the institute, Prof. Dr. Manuela Wimmer, adds:
‘On the other hand, we need more greenery in cities, and agriculture and forestry will have to be increasingly irrigated in the future, making the increasing demand for water a further stress factor. Last but not least, low water levels in our water bodies are increasing the pressure on water management to ensure that all water-related requirements are met in sufficient quantity and quality on a permanent basis.”
Prof. Dr. Manuela Wimmer, Deputy Director of the Institute
Innovation transfer for local decision-makers
Numerous initiatives at state, federal and EU level are currently addressing the issue of securing water resources for the future from different perspectives against the backdrop of the increasing effects of climate change. In addition, there are many new technical and organizational impulses from industry and science to deal with water more efficiently, to increase multiple use or to develop alternative water resources.
Although many solutions are available, the path to practical implementation is still rocky and requires faster implementation in view of the increasing risks. Cities and municipalities are at the forefront of shaping public water supply and wastewater disposal and need an effective transfer of innovation to the respective local situation.”
Prof. Dr. Manuela Wimmer
At the same time, possible solutions and measures to secure water resources, especially in times of drought, must be integrated as a suitable component in the ever-increasing variety of municipal tasks.
Innovative discussion formats
At the 4th Hof Water Symposium, traditional lecture formats followed by a discussion will be supplemented by new, innovative formats such as a “fishbowl discussion”, which offers the opportunity to enter into dialog with the keynote speakers and representatives from science and business. A place in the fishbowl is always free to actively participate, ask questions or exchange opinions.
Registration and registration fee
Registration is possible until September 16, 2024. The detailed program and the possibility to register can be found at
4. Hof Water Symposium – inwa (hof-university.de)
