As the global water industry converges in Toronto for the IWA World Water Congress from August 11-15, 2024, one of the standout participants from the Caribbean is Wendy Harrison-Smith, the Research and Development Manager at the National Water Commission (NWC) of Jamaica. Representing her utility as part of the joint IWA and NewIBNET Initiative, Wendy brings a wealth of expertise and a commitment to driving excellence in water services through benchmarking. The National Water Commission: A Pillar of Jamaican Infrastructure Overview and Operations Founded in 1980, the National Water Commission (NWC) is Jamaica's leading provider of potable water and wastewater services. With a mission to contribute positively to national development, NWC supplies over 73% of the population with piped water and provides central sewerage services to 18% of Jamaicans. The utility operates an impressive array of over 1,000 water supply facilities, including wells, water treatment plants, and pumping stations, alongside a sprawling network of more than 11,000 kilometers of water mains. Additionally, NWC manages 68 wastewater treatment plants and over 500 kilometers of collector and trunk sewers, ensuring the safe and efficient treatment of wastewater across the island. Mission and Vision The NWC’s mission is to provide high-quality potable water and sewerage services in a cost-effective and sustainable manner, contributing to the broader goals of Jamaica’s Vision 2030 National Development Plan. Looking ahead to 2030, NWC envisions itself as a well-resourced, responsive, customer-centric, and efficient entity, striving for 90% service reliability with 85% coverage for water and 30% coverage for wastewater. Commitment to Benchmarking: A Path to Excellence The NWC’s commitment to benchmarking is driven by its desire to continuously enhance its operations and meet the highest standards of quality and compliance. By engaging in benchmarking, NWC gains insights into international best practices, enabling the utility to remain adaptive and forward-thinking. This commitment ensures that NWC not only meets regulatory standards but also effectively addresses the needs of its diverse stakeholders. Through active participation in benchmarking, NWC can assess global trends, share ideas, and implement innovative solutions to improve its services. Wendy Harrison-Smith: A Leader in Research and Development Career Journey and Expertise Wendy Harrison-Smith has been an integral part of the NWC since August 2020, serving as the Research and Development Manager. With a career spanning over 16 years in the Quality Assurance Section, Wendy has amassed extensive experience as a Laboratory Analyst, Senior Technical Officer, and Quality Assurance Manager for the Eastern National Water Commission Laboratory. Her work has encompassed potable water and wastewater analysis, as well as the innovative use of water stable isotopes in Water Resources Management. Current Role and Contributions In her current role, Wendy is responsible for conducting critical studies into the operations and management of the NWC, leading research initiatives, and presenting recommendations to ensure the utility remains relevant and viable amidst evolving technological, social, economic, and environmental conditions. Her leadership in research and development is pivotal in driving the NWC's mission and vision forward. Inspiring Change and Innovation By championing continuous improvement and collaboration, Wendy not only enhances the NWC’s operations but also inspires other utilities to strive for excellence. As Wendy heads to Toronto, she carries with her the aspirations of the NWC and the promise of a brighter future for water services in Jamaica and beyond. Her journey is a testament to the power of dedication, expertise, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence in the water sector. Image