Preface of the 3rd International Joint Conference on Water Distribution Systems Analysis & Computing and Control for the Water Industry (WDSA/CCWI 2024) ^†

The 3rd International Joint Conference on Water Distribution Systems Analysis & Computing and Control for the Water Industry (WDSA/CCWI 2024)—held in Ferrara, Italy, 1–4 July 2024—aimed at involving national and international institutions, public and private companies, professionals, academics, and researchers operating in the field of water distribution and drainage systems management. In greater detail, the major goal of the conference was to exchange research, developments, and experiences related to the world of hydraulic infrastructures and the urban cycle. It aimed specifically to reference the topics of water system safety, reliability and protection; the sustainable management of water systems in relation to the challenges posed by climate changes and environmental crisis; water distribution and drainage system monitoring, modelling, and digitalisation through the “digital twin” approach for effective planning, designing, and efficient governance of the integrated water cycle. During the conference, two special keynote lectures focused on the above topics took place:

• “The complexity of drinking water temperature” (Dr. Mirjam Blokker);
• “Realistic modelling of the development and behaviour of leaks in water distribution systems” (Prof. Kobus van Zyl).

The call for contributions attracted over 300 proposals, which were analysed and evaluated by the Scientific Committee. In the end, 223 contributions—from authors coming from over 40 different countries—were presented and are included in this collection of conference proceedings. Among the conference activities, a specific session was dedicated to the Battle of the Water Demand Forecasting, a competition aimed at comparing the performance of different methods for short-term water demand forecasting, with the indication of the best performing teams. The Industry Track session was also noteworthy, during which practitioners and technicians from the water industry presented the results of projects, often carried out in collaboration with academia.

The WDSA/CCWI 2024 Organizing Committee wishes to thank all the people, institutions, and groups who have made this event possible. Thanks to the WDSA-CCWI Association for selecting us for the organisation of this event, and to the University of Ferrara which offered its locations for both hosting the conference and holding the social events. Thanks to all partners and sponsors (Regione Emilia-Romagna, Provincia di Ferrara, Comune di Ferrara, ATERSIR, Centro Studi Sistemi Idrici, Environmental & Water Resources Institute, Servizi a Rete, AcegasApsAmga, Bentley, BM Tecnologie Industriali, C.A.D.F., Finapp, Hera, Idrostudi, ISOIL, and RACI) for their invaluable support in the organisation of the event. Lastly, we would like to thank the members of the Scientific Committee for their precious work in reviewing the contributions submitted, the conference Administrative Secretariat, and all staff members and collaborators for their invaluable contributions.