As we enter 2026, the water sector faces both unprecedented challenges and transformative opportunities. At the Water Environment Federation (WEF), all our initiatives are viewed through the lens of our strategic plan and priorities.
Building a passionate and diverse water workforce is a key initiative. Our workforce development programs – from Operations Challenge to the Water Leadership Institute to the Young Professionals Summit and more – offer exceptional opportunities for networking and education. Mentoring the next generation of water leaders is the responsibility of all of us in the sector, and community engagement is a critical priority. I encourage all water professionals to engage with WEF’s 2026 events to convene with others in the water sector, learn new skills, and grow their careers.
Advancing the Circular Water Economy is another strategic focus: a shift from the traditional take-use-dispose model to one that maximizes water reuse, resource recovery, and environmental regeneration. WEF is at the forefront, supporting practices that unlock up to $47 billion annually in direct economic value for U.S. utilities and municipalities, while also driving progress toward our environmental goals. Through the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence, WEF is also collaborating with global partners like Amazon, The Water Center at Penn, and Leading Utilities of the World to ensure AI drives sustainable solutions for water management.
WEF and other members of the Value of Water Campaign (VOW) are leading the charge on building public and political will for investment in America’s water infrastructure. Recent research in “The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure,” shows that every $1 million invested in water could yield $2.5 million in economic output. Infrastructure funding is more than an operational imperative – it also offers a significant positive impact on job creation and GDP.
Together, our passion and purpose will define the future of water, ensuring that we continue to safeguard this vital resource.
