Our History
Allen Bolton founded the Institute of Water 81 years ago, in 1945. Since then, we have continuously evolved to reflect the diversity of our members and our status as a professional body.
Founder Member Allen Bolton
Allen Bolton dedicated his life to the water industry. Starting as a plumber at Sutton District Water Company in 1938, he rose to Chief Inspector in 1945 and retired as Distribution Engineer in 1978 after 40 years of impactful service.
In 1945, Allen sought an association focused on water distribution, as existing organisations didn’t fully meet his needs. This led to the formation of the Association of Water Distribution Officers on May 12, 1945, with 78 officers from the South Eastern District attending the inaugural meeting. Allen played a key role in its growth and evolution, serving as Honorary Secretary, Treasurer, Chairman, and Journal Editor at various times.
Allen retained a keen interest in IWater well into retirement and attended every Annual Conference and AGM until 2007 when he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Allen Bolton’s Legacy (1938-2011)
Allen is one of many members who, over the years, have devoted their time, energy and ideas to create a framework and an environment in which others can fulfil their potential within the UK water sector.
Allen died in February 2011, two months after celebrating his 100th Birthday. The Allen Bolton Award was established in his memory in that same year and continues to celebrate members who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to IWater today.
Our Name
Over the years, there have been several changes of name to reflect the diversity of our members and our status as a professional body:
1945: Association of Water Distribution Officers
1946: Association of Waterworks Officers
1990: Institution of Water Officers
2010: Institute of Water
The name may have evolved throughout the years, but the underlying purpose has remained the same: to champion the professionalism and development of our members through creating a space for knowledge and insight sharing.
Our Volunteers
At IWater, our work is underpinned by our dedicated volunteers who bring their day-to-day experience in the sector to run and provide our core offerings. Volunteers have been central to IWater since 1946, when our first Area Committee was established in the Northern Area, laying the foundations for the 200+ person strong volunteer network we have today. Our Area Committees are organised into eight regions across our UK membership: Eastern, Midlands, Northern, Northern Ireland, Scotland, South East, South West, and Wales.
Celebrating 80 Years of IWater
The Institute of Water was proud to celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2025, marking eight decades of developing our people and sector. Our year-long campaign, “80 Years of IWater”, featured a series of activities, recognition initiatives, testimonials, and publications designed to honour our legacy, celebrate the present, and inspire the future.
