History
The European Water Association was formally established in 1981 as the European Water Pollution Control Association (EWPCA). Delegates from eleven national professional associations—Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland—gathered in Munich and the association was established. In 1999, the name was changed to the European Water Association.
IFAT 1981, The founding fathers at the first Management Committee: (from left to right) Hein Ehrhardt (NL), Fouquet (FR), Geoffrey Ashworth Truesdale (UK), Kunze (DE), Plümer (DE), Hawerman (SE)
After 1990, the landscape shifted significantly. Professional organizations in Central and Eastern European countries, whether existing ones or newly formed, gained independence from government, granting them greater operational freedom. However, this newfound autonomy also posed challenges, particularly concerning funding. The evolving dynamics of the 1990s also created fresh opportunities for collaboration among professional organizations across Europe.
Cooperation became increasingly necessary as many Central and Eastern European countries prepared to join the European Union, starting with the initial accession in 2004 and followed by subsequent steps in 2007 (Bulgaria and Romania).
As Europe's boundaries continue to evolve, the EWA's role has been and remains crucial in preparing national professional organizations to operate under unified EU conditions, particularly in implementing laws that impact water management and conditions.
EWA Presidents
Present - 1981
Wendy Francken (BE) 2023 - Raymond Erpelding (LU) 2021 - Bjørn Kaare Jensen (DK) 2019 - José Matos (PT) 2017 - Károly Kovács (HU) 2015 - Dr. Werner Flögl (AT) 2013 - Pertti Seuna (FI) 2011 - Dr. Jean Philippe Torterotot (FR) 2009 - Peter Cook (UK) 2007 - Jiri Wanner (CZ) 2005 - Geoffrey Thaulow (NO) 2003 - Raymond Pinoit (FR) 2001 - Claus Hagebro (DE) 1999 - Kruitze (NL) 1998 - Prof. Dr. Peter Matthews (UK) 1997 - Myers (UK) 1996 - Prof. Helena Marecos do Monte (PT) 1993 - Jost (CH) 1990 - Hein Ehrhardt (NL) 1987 - Geoffrey Ashworth Truesdale (UK) 1984 - Dr. Ernst Kuntze (DE) 1981
EWA Secretary Generals
Present - 1981
Arthur Guischet (2024 - present), Johannes Lohaus (2005 - 2024), Sigurd van Riesen (1989-2004), Carl Heinz Plümer (1981-1989)
