From airplanes to reed beds: a modern airport's water management with Ian Waghorn at Gatwick Airport

In this episode of Exec Exchange, host Piers Clark interviews Ian Waghorn, the Principal Environmental Water Engineer at Gatwick Airport. Ian shares his unconventional career path to the water sector and provides an in-depth look into the complexities of water management at the Gatwick airport. Key topics include managing deicer fluid, flood risks, and the airport's decade of change initiative. Ian discusses sustainable solutions like constructing a reed bed treatment system and the goal to halve potable water usage. The episode closes with Ian’s advice to his younger self about following instincts and overcoming self-doubt.00:00 Introduction to the Exec Exchange00:29 Ian Waghorn's Background and Journey01:50 Water Management at Gatwick Airport03:14 Challenges with Deicer Fluid07:08 Decade of Change: Sustainability Goals07:56 Future Plans for Water Reuse11:16 Flood Risk Management12:35 Final Thoughts and Advice