Across the nation, aging water infrastructure and rising costs are creating an urgent need for additional capital and innovative financing solutions. In addition, as the water sector moves toward a circular water economy, unlocking up to $47 billion annually in direct economic value for U.S. utilities and municipalities, the sector must come together to chart a path forward.
To meet this challenge, the Water Environment Federation is convening leading experts from across the country for a high-impact summit focused on financing the future of water infrastructure. Together, we’ll explore strategies to leverage federal resources, mobilize private investment, and build sustainable funding models that drive long-term resilience and growth.
Price: $250 (early member); $300 (early non-member); $300 (regular member); $350 (regular non-member)
Agenda:
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Registration & Networking Breakfast
Coffee and continental breakfast
10:00 AM – 10:15 AM | Opening Remarks
Welcome from conference host and overview of the day’s objectives
10:15 AM – 10:45 AM | Keynote: The Scale of the Infrastructure Investment Challenge - Financing Water in America
This keynote will dive into the scale of today’s water infrastructure investment challenge by examining funding gaps, regulatory dynamics, and emerging opportunities for private capital to drive sustainable solutions.
10:45 AM – 12:00 PM | Panel 1: Funding Update – Status of Federal Funding for Water Infrastructure
This panel will explore the status of federal funding programs, trends in the municipal bond market, the implications of tariffs, and the critical challenges looking forward.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM | Networking Lunch
Lunch Keynote: This keynote will detail the results of the latest Infrastructure Report Card from the American Society of Civil Engineers, stressing the need for further investment in water and wastewater infrastructure.
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM | Panel 2: Making the Case – Why Should We Consider Private Capital in Water Infrastructure?
This panel will explore how public-private partnerships can be an effective tool, examine risk-return profiles, highlight case studies, and detail ways private finance can help close the infrastructure investment gap.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | Panel 3: Financing Water Reuse and the Circular Water Economy
This panel will explore circular water economy investments, state and federal policy drivers, and regulatory concerns including how data centers can leverage water reuse strategies amid evolving regulations
3:30 PM – 3:45 PM | Coffee Break
3:45 PM – 5:00 PM | Panel 4: Closing Plenary: What Comes Next?
This panel will present a forward-looking view of the future of water infrastructure finance, identifying opportunities for innovative technologies, addressing affordability challenges, and highlighting the need for public support
5:00 PM – 5:15 PM | Wrap Up
5:15 PM – 6:30 PM | Networking Reception
