CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Annual Conference 2025

WaPUG Prize

The prestigious WaPUG Prize (Wastewater Planning Users Group) nominations are now officially open.

Presented at the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Conference each year, this award recognises excellence, innovation and lasting influence in urban drainage.

This year, the award will be presented to a project or team that has met one or more of the following criteria:

• has made a lasting contribution to urban drainage practice, including developing tools, processes or enhancing them through innovation.

• provided inspiration within the urban drainage sector.

• influenced national policies or issues related to urban drainage;

• delivered an urban drainage solution demonstrating outstanding innovation and technical merit;

• introduced approaches that have changed how urban drainage challenges are addressed.

The prize is named after the group's predecessor organisation (WaPUG), which was established in 1984 to support the UK urban drainage management community when modern planning approaches and models were emerging. Its legacy is important recognition of contribution to best practice and advances across our industry.

Submitting a nomination

If you know of a worthy winner, please submit an evidence-based statement, not exceeding one A4 page, outlining the rationale for the nomination. Self-nominations should include an independent endorsement.

Nominations must be submitted via email to the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group honorary secretary, Mark Russell, at mark.russell@yorkshirewater.co.uk no later than Friday 12th September 2025.

Judging and Prize-giving

The committee will select the winner and the recipient will be announced at the CIWEM UDG Conference Dinner on 5 November during the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Autumn Conference. The winner will be invited to attend the CIWEM Annual Conference 2025 as a guest of the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group.

The winners will also receive a complimentary pass to the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Annual Conference this November.

The WSP Adam Dean Award

The Urban Drainage Group is excited to announce that applications are now open for the WSP Adam Dean Award!

Adam Dean was a passionate advocate for young professionals, believing that sharing knowledge and experience is a crucial step in building confidence and engaging with the wider profession. In his honour, this award provides a fantastic opportunity for those with less than four years of experience who have not yet presented at a conference.

Applicants are invited to submit a 200 word summary for a poster presentation that will be displayed and judged at the CIWEM Urban Drainage Group Annual Conference 2025. This is a fantastic chance to build self-confidence, develop communication skills, and engage with the wider profession.

Applications will be judged on four key criteria:

• Understanding of project needs and benefits
• Demonstration of technical challenges or innovation
• Outline of the individual's direct contribution
• Personal and professional gains from the project

The deadline to apply is Friday 05 September 2025.

For all enquiries and to submit your entry, please email Claire.McArtney@wsp.com.

Don't miss this chance to share your work and take the next step in your professional journey!