US and Israeli officials convened in Washington last week for a water technology forum. Dozens of investors, government officials and other stakeholders from various sectors of the water industry discussed opportunities for water conservation and alternative energy solutions.

Sponsored by the Israeli-American law firm ZAG/S&W, the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC and the US-Israel Science and Technology Foundation, the forum focused on the challenge of introducing and integrating new technology solutions to existing legacy water systems.

“Many Israeli clean technology and renewable energy companies… offer the prospect of enhanced water conservation and re-use, coupled with economic development, in many areas of the globe,” said Minister of Public Diplomacy Noam Katz, from the Israeli Embassy.

The panel, moderated by Executive Director of the US-Israel Science and Technology Foundation Ann Liebschutz, discussed their past experiences with water authorities in various municipalities.

Panel members included Booky Oren, executive chairman of the Miya Water Company; Ohad Cohen, commercial attaché at the Embassy of Israel; and Virginia State Senator Bob Hull. Oren has served as the corporate vice president for business development at Netafim, the largest micro-irrigation company in the world as well as chairman of Mekorot, Israel’s national water company.