Improving Water Quality Since 1928
Founded in 1928, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of 36,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. WEF members, Member Associations, and staff proudly work to achieve our mission to provide bold leadership, champion innovation, connect water professionals, and leverage knowledge to support clean and safe water worldwide.
WEF and its global network of members and Member Associations (MAs) provide water quality professionals around the world with the latest in water quality education, training, and business opportunities. WEF’s diverse membership includes scientists, engineers, regulators, academics, utility managers, plant operators, and other professionals. WEF uses this collective knowledge to further a shared goal of improving water quality around the world.
Together, WEF and its members work toward fulfilling three critical objectives:
- Drive innovation in the water sector
- Enrich the expertise of global water professionals
- Increase awareness of the value of water
WEF History
WEF has guided technological development in water quality since 1928. Previously called the Federation of Sewage Works Associations (1928), the Federation of Sewage and Industrial Wastes Associations (1950), and the Water Pollution Control Federation (1960); the name was changed to the Water Environment Federation in 1991 to reflect an expanded focus of non-point and point sources of pollution.
Technical Training and Education
As a leading source of water quality expertise, WEF is committed to advancing the water profession by providing unparalleled access to the world’s best science, engineering, and technical practices in the water environment field. WEF continuously evaluates its programs and services to maintain alignment with its overall goal of ensuring clean water for the protection of public health and a sustainable water environment.
WEFTEC® - The Water Quality Event
WEF’s Annual Technical Exhibition and Conference is the world’s largest annual water quality conference and exhibition. WEFTEC hosts thousands of water quality experts and water companies from around the world each year.
Specialty Conferences, Seminars, Webcasts , and Distance Learning
Using an array of delivery mechanisms WEF’s educational events focus on a wide range of timely water quality topics, such as driving innovation in the water sector, energy & resource recovery, stormwater, biosolids, utility management, collection systems, membranes, nutrient-related activities, and operator initiatives.
The Operator Initiative
The Operator Initiative is an integrative program of knowledge and services for wastewater systems operations personnel.
Effective Utility Management
This collaborative effort between WEF, EPA, and five water organizations provides resources to promote best practices across the sector based on a set of ten attributes and five keys to management success to achieve effective water utility management.
Awards & Fellow Programs
The WEF Awards and Fellow Programs recognize the outstanding professional achievement, stature, and contributions of members, individuals, and organizations to WEF and the water profession.
The Water Leadership Institute
The Water Leadership Institute program encourages innovation, entrepreneurship, and professional commitment from future leaders of the water quality sector.
Technical Publications
To ensure that its resources represent the state of industry practice in all areas of water quality, WEF publishes more than 190 technical publications including peer-reviewed Manuals of Practice (MOPs).
Magazines and Journals
Electronic Newsletters
Access Water Knowledge is a fully searchable library of WEF research journals and papers. The database also includes discussion forums and Knowledge Centers for key information on a range of important water quality issues. These areas offer convenient access to information from WEF and other credible sources, including the latest technical research, books, articles, news features, training, and networking opportunities for water quality professionals.
More than 2,500 members participate in WEF committee activities including writing technical manuals and books, developing training materials, and helping to develop conference programs and content. The Communities of Practice work quickly to address emerging and cross cutting water issues before developing into long-standing committees.
Sharing Knowledge, Exploring Solutions for a Sustainable Future
WEF recognizes that the effects of climate change are a priority concern for its members and acknowledges its responsibility to lead efforts to mitigate and reduce the impacts of this issue and the importance of pursuing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. In support of this commitment, WEF has adopted resolutions on climate change and renewable energy, appointed a Sustainability Community of Practice, initiated the award-winning WEF Eco program, and organizes education and training events on related topics. View photos of WEF staff participating in a WEF Eco event on Earth Day.
Public Information
As a leading source of water quality information, WEF develops programs and materials to help its members communicate with their target audiences about key water issues. Its goal is to increase an understanding of the direct role water and wastewater services have in the protection of public health, the economy, and the environment. WEF works to provide its members, public officials, and the general public with the necessary tools to engage in or learn ways to improve quality of life through water resources management, water protection, and water and wastewater treatment.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
The Stockholm Junior Water Prize is the most prestigious international youth award for a high school water science research project. In the United States, WEF and its MAs organize the national, state, and local competitions.
Students & Young Professionals
WEF works to support university students and young water professionals through a number of programs including an annual community service project, student design competition, poster symposium, and a networking & career fair.
WATER’S WORTH IT™
WATER’S WORTH IT is a new messaging campaign from WEF that answers the question about how our actions, attitudes, and the things we most value are so closely connected with water. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about the value and importance of water, water-related issues, and the water profession.
Water Is Life, and Infrastructure Makes It Happen™
Water Is Life, and Infrastructure Makes It Happen is an award-winning public education program designed to inform and motivate the public, ratepayers, and elected officials to invest in water and wastewater infrastructure.
Work for Water
Developed by WEF and the American Water Works Association, the world’s leading technical experts on drinking water and water quality, this online resource is packed with information about how to find jobs or prepare for rewarding careers in protecting public health and the environment.
World Water Monitoring Challenge™
World Water Monitoring Challenge™ is an international outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world. World Water Monitoring Day™ is held every year on September 18.
The National Biosolids Partnership is an information clearinghouse on effective biosolids practices and offers an EMS-based certification program that requires participating organizations to go beyond regulatory requirements.
Government Affairs
Legislation and regulations from the federal government, EPA, and other federal agencies often impact WEF members’ activities and how environmental goals are met. To assist members and the overall water quality community, WEF regularly tracks, monitors, and actively comments on legislative, regulatory, and compliance issues as well as publishes "This Week in Washington," a weekly newsletter that provides updates on the latest legislative and regulatory developments that affect the water and wastewater communities.