Circular Water Economy

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

EMBRACING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

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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.

Circular Water Economy FAQ

WEF Circular Water Valuation Report

 

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. Please provide us your contact information and sign up to receive the latest information as we prepare to launch the course in summer 2025. 

Engage

  • Submit your Circular Water case study to be featured on the global map.
    Circular Water Economy Case Study Survey
  • Become a WEF Circular Water Ambassador by presenting the Circular Economy 101 slides at your next event!
  • Take part in our Study Tour program to see circular water initiatives in action:
     – Denmark: June 15–21
     – Japan: August 24–30

Transform

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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.

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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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 18 - 20 Jul

    Circular Water Economy Summit 2023

    Join us July 18-20 in Nashville, Tenn., 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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Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

Be part of the community powering clean water and public health. Explore member benefits and find the right fit for you.

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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.

Biosolids Resource Recovery

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

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Collection Systems and Conveyance

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

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Government & Regulatory Affairs

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Stormwater & Watershed Management

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

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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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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.

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