Utility Management Conference 2024

Join water and wastewater managers and professionals in Portland, Ore., for one of the most informative — and most prestigious — management conferences in the water sector.

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What's Happening at WEF

Join the Water Leadership Institute in 2024

The Water Leadership Institute program educates, trains, and provides opportunities that enable developing and emerging leaders to build strong, lasting relationships within the water sector. Participants engage in management training and leadership development through a blended learning approach that includes the examination of complex challenges facing the water sector and networking with practitioners. The 2024 application period is open through January 17.WLI_Logo_WEF_Tagline-gray.jpg

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World Toilet Day – Help WEF Accelerate SDG 6

world toilet day 2023.pngNovember 19 marks World Toilet Day and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a UN-Water Partner is committed to engaging the water community in this public education effort. The world is seriously off track to meet SDG 6: safe toilets and water for all by 2030. Join your voice to ours to help improve the lives of so many that lack access to adequate sanitation.

 

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New Insight into PFAS

PFAS in the Water Sector.jpgThis collection of essays brings together experts from across the water sector to explore the impact of PFAS on our water and wastewater systems. From industrial wastewater to municipal water management, get unique insights into the implications for human health and the growing regulatory framework surrounding PFAS. Learn about the latest treatments available for water, wastewater, groundwater, biosolids, leachates, and soil/sediments.

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Selected Upcoming Events

WEF offers an assortment of conferences, webcasts, and other meetings and events. View the list of All Events

  • 13 - 16 Feb

    WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2024

    Get prepared for the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2024 in Portland, Oregon, to join water and wastewater managers and professionals at one of the leading, most informative, and most prestigious management conferences in the water sector.

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  • 09 - 12 Apr

    Collection Systems and Stormwater Conference 2024

    Save the date for Collection Systems and Stormwater 2024! The robust program will highlight continued advances in the wastewater collection systems sector as well as the latest innvations in stormwater management.

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  • 15 - 17 Apr

    DBIA/AWWA/WEF Design Build for Water/Wastewater 2024

    #DBIAWater provides a platform for experienced, knowledgeable, and well-spoken industry experts to highlight best practices in design-build project delivery in the water and wastewater sector, and to discuss the merits of its as a means to achieve exceptional project outcomes!

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  • 18 - 21 Jun

    Residuals and Biosolids Conference 2024

    The Residuals and Biosolids Conference 2024 will highlight new technologies, successful innovations, and current best practices in the industry. Save the date: June 18-21, 2024 in Oklahoma City!

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WEF WATER STORIES

Operations Challenge Rocks WEFTEC: Operations Challenge showcases the behind the scenes magic that keeps our water safe and clean. See what it takes to be a wastewater operator.

 

Water Sector Comms Scholars Experience WEFTEC 2023

WEF brought a group of water sector communicators to WEFTEC 2023. Emily Garner is Public Utilities Information Specialist for the Greenville North Carolina Public Utilities Commission. Emily shares her experience at WEFTEC.

WEF WATER STORIES

Developing a diverse and passionate workforce that encourages more diversity in the water workforce is part of WEF's Strategic Plan. Charlotte Water Operator, Stacia Wilkes, tells us why she chose a career in water and why more women should too! 

 

WEF Water Stories

Look behind the scenes at the 2023 U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Golden, Colo., and meet Naomi Park, the 2023 U.S. winner!

WEF Water Stories

Melanie Vines says the Flint Michigan Water Crisis motivated her to choose a career in water. Watch to hear more about her journey and the formation of the University of Alabama's WEF Student Chapter, which won WEF's first annual Student Chapter of the Year Award!

Share Your Water Story

WEF Water Stories

Hear Crysele Evans, a 2022 InFLOW Scholar share what makes her passionate and motivated to work in water.

Share Your Water Story

WEF Water Stories

Listen to Regina Berry, Diversity Director for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, talk about why activities like the WEF Community Service Projects are crucial for ensuring everyone is included and protected.

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WEF Water Stories

There are many opportunities for young professionals to work in water and help solve today's water challenges. #WEFWaterStories

Viraj deSilva 

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WEF Water Stories

Shannon Harty, Commissioner of Water Environment Protection for Onondaga County, New York, explains how she got her start in water and fell in love with wastewater.

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See the Latest Water Sector News

Design
Experience the Inspiration of WEFTEC 2023 Again

Revisit the highlights of WEFTEC 2023 Opening General Session.

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Water & Wastewater Treatment
World Toilet Day

November 19 marks World Toilet Day and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a UN-Water Partner is committed to engaging the water community in this public ...

Continue Reading

LifeFreeofWaterChallenges_Logo_72dpiX1000px.png

Imagine life free of water challenges. What does that look like to you? Check out WEF’s new Strategic Plan to see how we’ll get there and then share your water story.

Details About the Strategic Plan

EXPLORE ALL PRACTICE AREAS

WEF is a source of high-quality technical resources featuring the latest research, news, and education. WEF's members and other credible resources have created and compiled this information into the Practice Area groupings listed in the dropdown menu.

Operations

From hands-on-training and leadership opportunities, such as Operations Challenge, to online training, such as the Wastewater Treatment Fundamentals series, WEF provides operators with many opportunities to advance on-the-job knowledge and develop their careers.

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Water & Wastewater Treatment

More than 16,000 publicly owned water resource recovery facilities operate in the United States. Skilled engineers and operators work together to ensure new and updated facilities continue to protect public health and the environment.

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Biosolids Resource Recovery

Through biosolids management, solid residue from wastewater treatment is processed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and minimize odors, forming a safe, beneficial agricultural product. Biosolids are carefully monitored and must be used in accordance with regulatory requirements.

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Industrial Water Resources

Industries treat and reuse wastewater and process water as well as provide environmentally sustainable wastewater treatment while reducing costs and maintaining value for their businesses.

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Utility Management

To respond to myriad daily challenges faced by water and wastewater utility leaders, WEF continuously works with its members and partners to develop a variety of management initiatives; resources; and educational, training, and networking opportunities.

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Government & Regulatory Affairs

WEF advocacy activities aim to educate WEF members and the water sector on public policy issues related to water quality and resources and equip them to play a greater role in water policy discussions.

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Collection Systems and Conveyance

The system of underground pipes and maintenance structures that convey wastewater has brought dramatic improvements to public health. Most sewers carry wastes from households and commercial establishments and are referred to as sanitary sewers.

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Stormwater & Watershed Management

Take a comprehensive look at how all water resources, including uplands, drainage basins, wetlands, stormwater, surface water, and groundwater interact.

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Public Health

The water sector and its systems protect public and ecological health. Using the data that can be collected through smart water technologies provides additional insights to address complex public health issues.

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Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

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Connect with our community of water professionals who ensure that our local communities have access to clean water that protects public health. Explore our member benefits and find the membership type that’s right for you.

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The logo for WEF Skills BuilderTest your knowledge of wastewater and laboratory with a 10-question, multiple-choice quiz. Quizzes incorporate math, safety, and a variety of other topics to help you test, maintain, and advance your wastewater knowledge.

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