About WEF

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) and its members work every day to fulfill our Mission of inspiring the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being.

WEF is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 30,000 individual members and 75 affiliated Member Associations representing water quality professionals around the world. Since 1928, WEF and its members have protected public health and the environment.

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. 

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.


At WEF, we have set our sights on new horizons and are operating under a new Strategic Plan. Our vision for the future is life free of water challenges.

Read WEF's Strategic Plan

As water professionals, this is our ultimate goal – a world where each person has access to clean water and sanitation, where communities prosper, and where nature thrives. To get there, our mission is to inspire the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being.

We need to attract and develop a diverse and passionate workforce, cultivate a purpose-driven community to sustainably solve water challenges for all, and lead the transformation to the circular water economy. As we undertake this work, let’s also shine a light on our sector. Let’s amplify the stories of water to grow, strengthen and diversify the water community.

We all have a part to play in forging a sustainable water future. So, bring your talents, your ingenuity, your dedication, and your water stories, and join us.

Related Areas

Upcoming WEF Events
Upcoming WEF Events
WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2023
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WEF/IWA Residuals and Biosolids Conference 2023
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Odors and Air Pollutants 2023
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WEF/IWA Innovations in Process Engineering Conference 2023
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Explore Our Strategic Plan

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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.

Visit WEFwaterfuture.org

Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

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.

Join or Renew Online

Upcoming Conferences

In addition to conferences, WEF offers webcasts and other meetings and events. View the list of All Events.

  • 28 - 31 Mar

    WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2023

    Register today for the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2023 in Sacramento, California, 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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  • 16 - 19 May

    WEF/IWA Residuals and Biosolids Conference 2023

    The WEF/IWA Residuals and Biosolids Conference 2023 will highlight new technologies, successful innovations, and current best practices in the industry. Save the date: May 16-19, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina!

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  • 16 - 19 May

    Odors and Air Pollutants 2023

    This conference will once again bring together environmental professionals from around the world for a showcase on odors and air pollutants management. The biennial Odor Conference is designed to educate practitioners, facility owners, operators, researchers, and public administrators about current odor issues, including regulatory requirements and methods for analyzing problems and finding solutions.

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