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/IWA Innovations in Process Engineering Conference 2023
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Collection Systems Conference 2023
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WEF Stormwater Summit
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Circular Water Economy Summit
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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.

  • 06 - 09 Jun

    WEF/IWA Innovations in Process Engineering Conference 2023

    Save the Date for the WEF/IWA Innovations in Process Engineering 2023 Conference, taking place June 6-9, 2023 in Portland, Oregon! This conference is focused on innovations in treatment technologies and process engineering.

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  • 27 - 30 Jun

    Collection Systems Conference 2023

    Save the date for Collection Systems 2023! The robust program will highlight continued advances in the wastewater collection systems sector.

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  • 27 - 29 Jun

    WEF Stormwater Summit

    WEF will be hosting the Stormwater Summit in Kansas City, MO, in June 2023. This summit is crafted to deepen the technical knowledge of professionals involved with stormwater management and provide forums where leading issues in the sector are discussed.

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  • 18 - 20 Jul

    Circular Water Economy Summit

    Join us July 18-20 in Nashville, Tennessee, to discuss best practices, examine real-life examples of circular water solutions to industrial water challenges, explore the opportunities for developing circular water systems, and learn to commercialize the products that result from it.

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