The Water Environment Federation (WEF) highlighted workforce development, circular water, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity as key priorities for the water sector during the Opening General Session at WEFTEC 2026 in New Orleans.
WEF Board President Keith Hobson said the water sector is facing interconnected challenges including aging infrastructure, a changing workforce, evolving regulations and rapidly advancing technology. He said WEF is working to address those challenges through workforce programs, international collaboration and new technology initiatives.
Hobson said a fully implemented circular water economy could represent $47 billion in value in the U.S. He pointed to water reuse, energy recovery, nutrient recovery and reduced emissions as ways the sector can advance WEF’s One Water vision.
“This is not a concept anymore,” Hobson said.
WEF has expanded workforce initiatives including its InFlow workforce diversity program and Work for Water, developed with the American Water Works Association. The organization also launched a global operator-training partnership with AWWA and Veolia and expanded its Water Leadership Institute. At WEFTEC, WEF is hosting a new workforce hub with live demonstrations and hands-on training and awarding its first David Jenkins Operator Scholarship, a $10,000 award for an operator at a water resource recovery facility pursuing additional education or training.
WEF also highlighted its Water AI Nexus Center of Excellence, which is focused on both “water for AI” and “AI for water.” Hobson said the organization is working to develop practical guidance for utilities, communities, technology companies and the water workforce on responsible water use by AI infrastructure and applications of AI to water-sector challenges.
Cybersecurity was another focus of the session. Hobson said recent attacks on water systems demonstrate that digital resilience is foundational to the sector. WEF is expanding access to its cybersecurity guidance for water and wastewater utilities and developing additional resources through its member associations.
WEF also announced a new Federation Impact Grant program that will provide $1 million to member associations. The funding will support initiatives involving innovation, organizational resilience, leadership development and community impact.
The organization is also featuring a Circular Water Economy Pavilion at WEFTEC focused on reducing, reusing and regenerating water resources, along with case studies from utilities applying those principles.
