Circular Water Economy
Reducing waste, recovering nutrients and energy, and regenerating nature to enhance resource efficiency and resilience.
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
Enroll in the Circular Water 101 Course to gain a deeper understanding of the circular water concept. This foundational, self-paced course will take about three hours, and you will receive a certification upon completion.
Engage
Become a WEF Circular Water Ambassador by presenting the Circular Economy 101 slides at your next event!
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
-
27 Sep - 01 Oct
WEFTEC 2025
Connect in person with the full water community and work toward a world free of water challenges. Don't miss the 98th Annual Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference.
Learn More
PAST EVENTS
-
23 - 25 Jun
WEF/WateReuse 2025 Industrial Water Solutions
Industrial Water Solutions brings together industry and utility leaders for two days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and collaboration to advance sustainable water management in industrial operations.
Learn More -
28 May
Nutrient Trading Workshop
Join us in Madison, Wis., for a dynamic workshop focused on nutrient trading, addressing agricultural nutrient management through the circular water economy.
Learn More -
15 - 17 Jul
Circular Water Economy Summit 2024
Join us July 15-17 in Dallas, Texas, to continue the transformation to the circular water economy. Attend to hear solutions to industrial water challenges, explore the opportunities for developing circular water systems, and learn to commercialize the products that result from it.
Learn More
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.
