Il water sector is going through a phase of profound transformation, driven by environmental challenges, climate change and the evolution of European regulatory standards. To address these, it is becoming increasingly important to invest in technologies capable of making the Integrated Water Service (SII) more efficient, sustainable and resilient, while improving the management of infrastructure and resources.
This is the theme at the centre of the conference "Innovation and digitalization: the keys to the future of the water sector", promoted by act in the context ofOSWI Water Observatory, to be held Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 10 am, at the NH Hotel Milano CityLife.
The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss the opportunity offers from digitization and by smart water, from technologies for water quality control and resource reuse to solutions for infrastructure monitoring and efficiency. Tools that can improve not only operational management and resource use, but also sustainability Environmental Sustainability and the sector's ability to adapt to the effects of the climate change. In this process, an increasing role is entrusted to theartificial intelligence, while the progressive digitalization of networks also makes cybersecurity increasingly important, with the need to protect interconnected infrastructures and systems.
The OSWI 2026 Report: Technologies and Investments for the SII
The conference will also be an opportunity to present the main findings of the OSWI Annual Report 2026, entitled "Innovation and Smart Water: The New Frontiers of the SII. Technologies and Investments for the Development of the Sector."
The research analyzes the most effective technologies and solutions to support the digitalization and resilience of the water sector, highlighting their characteristics, critical issues, and best practices. The Report also monitors the investments necessary for the innovation of the Integrated Water Service and examines in depth the European and national financing instruments that can foster the transformation of the sector. The goal is therefore to go beyond analyzing technologies, also addressing the conditions necessary to accelerate their implementation and overcome the obstacles that still slow their diffusion.
The discussion will involve water service managers, technology providers, and institutions, who will discuss strategies and solutions to support the sector's evolution. Participants include: Marco Carta, CEO of Agici, Alessandra Little Garzarella, director of the Agici Observatory, and representatives of Acque Bresciane, Abb Italy, A2a Ciclo Idrico, Lereti, Schneider Electric, Smat, Viveracqua, Accenture, Aquanexa, Gaia, Gruppo Cap, Iren, and MM. Speakers will also include Nicola Dell'Acqua, president of Arera.
The day will end with the delivery of the 2026 “Water Service Manager” Award, concluding a discussion dedicated to the technologies and investments destined to reshape the future of the water sector.
