Circular Water Economy

Reducing waste, recovering nutrients and energy, and regenerating nature to enhance resource efficiency and resilience.

Circular water diagram: Reduce, Recover, Regenerate

Embracing a Sustainable Future

WEF is leading the transformation to a circular water economy by shifting away from the traditional take-use-dispose model to a more sustainable approach that maximizes the value of water resources.  

In today’s world, where viably managing resources is more critical than ever, circular water emerges as a powerful, forward-thinking solution. By prioritizing resource recovery and innovative water management, circular water helps secure reliable water access for all.

A national shift toward circular water practices could unlock up to $47 billion annually in direct economic value for U.S. water utilities and municipalities.

Get Involved in WEF’s Circular Water Initiatives!

Learn

Engage

Present the Circular Water Economy 101 Slides at your next event: Closing the Loop with the Circular Water Economy

Download a ready-to-use one-pager:

Circular Water Economy (English)

Economía Circular del Agua (Spanish)

Transform

Circular Water Economy Case Study Map

The circular water economy transforms how we manage water. The global map highlights real-world case studies that bring the reduce, recover, regenerate principles of circular water to life. Click on the map, or the link below, to discover innovative case studies from utilities, industries, and communities across the globe.

Want your project featured? Submit a case study to join the growing global network of circular water leaders.


Enabling Innovation Through Permitting

Innovation is key to advancing a circular water economy. And we need to go one step farther than technology. One of the biggest barriers is navigating the permitting process.

WEF’s new concept sheet series explores how utilities and innovators can collaborate with permitting authorities to unlock innovation in wastewater management.

Grounded in research and real-world case studies, the series highlights five essential characteristics for successful permitting.


Upcoming Events

Closeup of hands on a computer
WEF Event

Advancing Sustainability and Resilience in the Water Sector

September 10, 2026
Join WEF and Xylem for a webinar exploring how water sector leaders are advancing sustainability, resilience, innovation, and workforce development across utilities and communities.  This moderated discussion, sponsored by Xylem will […]
WEF Event

WEFTEC 2026

September 26-30, 2026
New Orleans, LA | In-person
Join us to explore cutting-edge solutions, connect with sector leaders, and drive sustainable change. With expert insights, unparalleled networking opportunities, and groundbreaking innovations, WEFTEC empowers you to tackle today’s challenges and shape the future of water and the environment.
WEF Event

Jammin’4Water

September 26, 2026
New Orleans, LA
The Collection Systems & Stormwater Conference unites operators, engineers, managers, and solution providers to tackle wet weather challenges, aging infrastructure, and climate-driven risks with practical, real‑world solutions for safer, more sustainable water systems.

WEF Circular Water Economy Playlist


Explore All Practice Areas

Biosolids Resource Recovery

Safe and sustainable: Biosolids management transforms wastewater solids into odor-controlled, pathogen-reduced agricultural products, strictly regulated for environmental safety.

Collection Systems and Conveyance

Sanitary sewers safely transport household and commercial wastewater through underground systems, improving public health and meeting modern infrastructure standards.

Government & Regulatory Affairs

Empower water professionals with knowledge and tools to influence public policy-WEF advocacy promotes awareness and engagement on key water issues.

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.

Stormwater & Watershed Management

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

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.

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.

Operations

From hands-on training and leadership opportunities, such as the WEFTEC 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.

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 various management initiatives, resources, and educational, training, and networking opportunities.

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