VOD-KA

At the Water Supply and Sewerage Operations 2026 Conference, held on 3 and 4 November 2026 at the Brno Exhibition Centre, the Czech Water and Wastewater Association (SOVAK ČR) awarded honorary membership to two distinguished figures in the Czech water sector. The award, recognizing their long-term contribution to the development of the industry, was presented to Prof. Ing. Jan Bartáček, Ph.D. from the University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague (UCT Prague) and Assoc. Prof. Ing. David Stránský, Ph.D. from the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU Prague).

As the number of data centers continues to grow worldwide, operators are looking for new ways to reduce the consumption of drinking water used to cool servers. One of the most promising solutions is the use of treated municipal wastewater. This approach helps reduce pressure on groundwater and surface water resources, particularly in regions already facing water scarcity. Most projects rely on cooperation with municipal wastewater treatment plants, combined with additional on-site treatment systems at data center facilities.

On 3-4 November 2026, the 24th annual Operations of Water Supply and Sewerage Systems Conference, organized by the Czech Water Supply and Sewerage Association (SOVAK CR), will take place in Hall E at the Brno Exhibition Centre. This traditional gathering of water sector professionals will focus on current legislative changes, operational experience, and technological developments in the fields of drinking water supply, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment. The event will also feature an exhibition of nearly ninety companies presenting technologies, products, and services for the water industry.

The Ohře River Basin Authority (Povodí Ohře), in cooperation with the City of Žatec, has prepared an exhibition commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Czech Republic’s river basin state enterprises. The exhibition will be officially opened on October 20 in the atrium of the Žatec Town Hall and will offer visitors an insight into the work of water management professionals, major water infrastructure projects, and initiatives focused on the protection and restoration of watercourses.

The traditional Water Supply and Sewerage Operations Conference, the largest event of its kind in the Czech Republic, is entering its 24th year. The program will provide water utility managers, infrastructure owners, and industry professionals with up-to-date information on key changes that will affect the operation of the water sector in the coming years.

Investments in the water management sector in the Czech Republic continue to grow. According to the latest Blue Report on the State of Water Management, financial support provided by ministries reached CZK 12.8 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of CZK 1 billion.

The Vrané nad Vltavou Waterworks is one of the most significant structures in Czech water management. Built between 1930 and 1935, it was the first facility constructed as part of the Vltava Cascade and is therefore its oldest component. At the same time, it forms the cascade’s final downstream stage before the Vltava River enters Prague.

The Czech Republic has been facing hydrological drought and a significant lack of precipitation for the second consecutive year. Although inflows into water reservoirs in many regions are reaching only a few percent to a few tens of percent of long-term averages, the supply of drinking water to residents remains stable. The reason is clear: water reservoirs play a crucial role by storing water during wetter periods and making it available during times of drought.

Companies interested in participating in the international VODOVODY–KANALIZACE 2027 exhibition can now apply. The organizers have opened exhibitor registration, and companies that register by January 31, 2027, can benefit from discounted rates.

The Slovak Association of Water Companies (AVS) has become a new professional partner of the VOD-KA exhibition. AVS is an association of business entities operating in the field of water management activities related to the operation of public water supply and sewerage systems. Its members supply drinking water to 95% of Slovakia’s population connected to public water networks. Approximately 8,000 employees work in the sector.

The URBIS 2026 trade fair and conference, taking place on 2–4 June at the Brno Exhibition Centre, will offer municipalities of all sizes a concentrated mix of practical solutions, inspiration, and opportunities for cooperation. The entire event will be located in Pavilion V, where visitors will find two programme stages, exhibitor stands, and outdoor demonstrations of technologies in real operation. URBIS thus remains a unique platform where local governments can try out available tools firsthand and take away approaches that can be implemented without complex investments or administrative burden.

After sixteen years, the most important Central European event in the field of water management is returning to the Brno Exhibition Centre. The international trade fair VOD-KA (WATER SUPPLY AND SEWERAGE)  will take place from 8 to 10 June 2027 and will now be organized by BVV Trade Fairs Brno. The main organizer is the Czech Water Supply and Sewerage Association (SOVAK ČR), with the Association of Water Companies of the Slovak Republic acting as the professional partner.