WEFTEC 2025: Building resilience and sustainability in the water sector

The work of the water community, from managing storms to recovering resources, was described by MWRD Board of Directors President Kari Steele as “writing the next chapter of resilience.”

“That bold engineering feat, one of the greatest of this time, was born of necessity, vision and courage,” Steele said. “And it continues to inspire us today.”

WEF’s three strategic pillars

WEF President Howard Carter outlined the organizations mission to secure a more resilient future through three pillars:

Workforce attraction and development: Carter highlighted the need to address the “Silver Tsunami,” or age-related retirements within the industry, by attracting a diverse and passionate water workforce. This involves raising awareness, providing training and certificates, and connecting talent to in-demand jobs. The Operations Challenge was showcased as a leadership development incubator.

Cultivating a purpose-driven community: Carter emphasized the value of volunteers, committees and member associations in fostering collaborations and connections. The goal is to build community by promoting best practices and inclusive engagement. Carter cited the revitalization of the Utah Young Professionals (YP) group as an example.

Leading the transformation of the circular water economy: Shifting the traditional “extract, use and discard” model to one that treats the water cycle as a renewable resource involves reducing waste, recovering nutrients and energy, and regenerating nature. Carter highlighted a recent WEF study that revealed a $47 billion funding opportunity in this shift.

“Our study highlights the opportunities for water strategies that are responsible both environmentally and financially,” said Carter. “In fact, the recent study reveals a $47 billion opportunity around reducing waste and enhancing system efficiency.”

The personal meaning of resilience

Keynote speaker Travis Mills, retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, author and founder of the Travis Mills Foundation spoke on his personal struggles on becoming a quadruple amputee following his third combat tour.

Mills’ core message is that while one cannot always control a situation, one can always control their attitude. He emphasized the vital role of having a support group – his family, the dedicated medical team that saved his life and fellow veterans who had overcome similar injuries.

Following his military service, Mills created the Travis Mills Foundation to support other injured veterans and their families, showing that a devastating event can lead to a new, powerful mission to serve.

“As a platform, WEFTEC is more meaningful than ever,” said WEF Executive Director Ralph Erik Exton during the opening general session. “It is a platform for communities to connect and for critical content to be shared.”