The Water Industry Achievement Awards are back and will be held in Birmingham to coincide with IWEX and SustainabilityLive!

Now in their third year, the awards seek to recognise excellence and innovation within the water industry.

There are awards for individuals as well as companies including the coveted award for outstanding services to the water industry.

Winners of the Water Industry Achievement Awards 2009, organised by sister journals WET News and Water & Wastewater Treatment, will be announced at a prestigious black tie event being held on Wednesday, May 20 at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham.

WET News editor Maureen Gaines said there was an exciting evening in store, with rising star of the comedy circuit Rhod Gilbert hosting the event.

"The water industry and water companies have suffered bad press in the last few years for a variety of reasons like leakage and fat-cat payments," she said.

"The public don't always recognise what they're doing behind the scenes in terms of innovation, investment and improving water quality and we want to show that.

"The industry does a lot of good work and this is a great opportunity for it to pat itself on the back and take the credit it deserves."

Tables and individual places are still available. Details can be found on the online booking form or those interested can call Danielle Wood on 020 86517075 or Luke Holtz on 020 86517058.

Sam Bond