WEF News

WEFTEC always changes a little from year to year; and WEFTEC 2021 will be no different. The focus this year will be reuniting the water sector in person to make purposeful connections; create and discuss ideas with each other; and explore equipment, tools, and solutions with expert guidance.

C40 Cities Urban Nature Declaration aims to kickstart climate change resilience and environmental equity around the world

A preliminary class action lawsuit settlement between the Charleston Water System (Charleston, South Carolina) and wipes manufacturer Kimberly-Clark could affect any entity that owned and/or operated wastewater conveyance and treatment systems since January 6, 2018. Class members need to be aware of this settlement and how it may affect them.

Following the April 2021 virtual sessions with U.S. federal legislators and regulators, the water sector is already seeing some results.

The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Virginia) hosted Water Week 2021 virtually during the last week of April. The virtual events between water sector leaders and U.S. federal legislators and regulators focused on changing water policy to help improve the water sector in the U.S. Chief among the concerns was repairing the nation’s often overlooked water infrastructure. Speakers included members of the U.S. Congress, the architects of the National Water Reuse Action Plan, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) leaders, including EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan, and many others working to shape the future of water policy.

On June 2, 2021, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service (HHS) made available $166.6 million USD in grants to help low-income ratepayers effected by the COVID-19 pandemic pay their drinking water and wastewater utility bills.

We are excited to announce that WEFTEC will be held in person this October 16 to 20 in Chicago.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected the Water Environment Federation to develop, manage, and provide training for a nationwide network of water utilities, public health agencies, and laboratories participating in wastewater-based disease surveillance.

I watched in horror as the insurrection unfolded at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021. Wrapped into that worry was my overwhelming concern for everything that WEF and its members value. In case the connection between domestic terrorism and clean water and affordable services is not immediately obvious, let me explain.

The Water Sector Coordinating Council (WSSC) is urging U.S. water and wastewater utilities to coordinate with state and local health departments to ensure they are included in distribution plans for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Find out the main themes and trends that emerged as operators, engineers, manufacturers, regulators, scientists, students, educators, and officials from all over the globe connected online to discover, learn, listen, and connect about all aspects of the water sector.

November 19 is World Toilet Day, the annual reminder about the importance of sanitation to health, communities, the environment, and the economy. While the day organized by the United Nations (UN) is an opportunity to celebrate how much the toilet has done for civilization, it also serves as a stark reminder that over 4 billion people live without access to safety managed sanitation.

Following the highly informative and comprehensive session, The Future of Water Policy — The National Perspective, by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at WEFTEC Connect, WEF and the agency have planned a special follow-up webcast for October 19, 2020, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. EDT.

The Water Environment Federation proudly announces the 52 graduates of its Water Leadership Institute Class of 2020.