WJA Awards 2026: help us celebrate the innovations that drive our industry forward
Innovation – the process of doing things differently and doing them better – is at the heart of progress in any industry. It is why the Water Jetting Association has included innovation as a category in the inaugural WJA Awards.
The WJA is looking forward to receiving as many nominations as possible from its members about new products or new ways they are delivering services across the water jetting industry.
Innovation for safer, more effective service
WJA Technical Manager Gordon Taylor said: “There are many ways WJA members are innovating in our industry. It can certainly involve designing, manufacturing or supplying new water jetting equipment.
“It can also be about using established equipment differently, or providing new ways of supplying or maintaining equipment, or providing support services that enable contractors to work more safely, effectively or with greater commercial success.”
Innovation of the Year is one of 10 categories in the WJA Awards, which are being held on the evening of the association’s annual general meeting on Friday 18th September 2026.
WJA member organisations or their employees can be entered to win seven of the awards. Winners of two other awards will be selected by the WJA Board, and one will be chosen by the WJA office team.
The WJA hopes the awards will become an important annual celebration of achievement and progress in the UK’s water jetting industry.
Robotic equipment and smart devices
Water jetting innovations in recent years include automated and robotic systems that allow operatives to control equipment remotely, for example during tube bundle cleaning and hydrodemolition.
Robotic systems are also allowing more effective cleaning of sewers. While new smart devices associated with water jetting systems are providing valuable new asset condition data.
Digital control of water jetting equipment is also enhancing safety and sustainability, through saving water and reducing the risk of pollution incidents.
Advances in materials technologies and new designs for personal protective equipment are improving operative safety and allowing teams to work more effectively together in challenging environments.
WJA innovating with new code and training
The WJA has introduced its own significant innovations in 2026, including the launch of its new single code of practice, known as the WJA Black Code, due to its black cover.
The new code replaces the WJA’s three previous codes, the Blue Code for high and ultra-high pressure jetting, the Red Code for drain and sewer jetting, and the Purple Code for hot and cold pressure washers.
The WJA is also innovating in training, introducing new stand-alone courses for processes closely associated with water jetting, including Drain CCTV, Graffiti Removal, Gutter Cleaning and Remote Structural Repair of pipes.
All the courses are accredited by City & Guilds and delivered to the same high standards as the WJA’s water jetting training programme.
Gordon Taylor said the WJA is keen to support innovation in the water jetting industry, pointing out it is well-placed to advise members on the 4 Cs of innovation – creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication.
He added: “We’re here to support our members, in confidence, with expertise and insights that help them innovate their operations. Where members want to collaborate with others we can put people together. We’re also very keen to promote innovation, at the right time, to the wider industry.”
Submit an entry to the WJA Awards
Submitting your entry for the WJA Innovation Award 2026 is simple. To find out more, go to the WJA Awards page. Here are six other awards individuals or organisations can enter or have submissions made on their behalf:
Best Photo
Trainer of the Year
Young Person of the Year
Manufacturer of the Year
Outstanding Contribution
Operative of the Year