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 (CWE) 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.
CWE FAQ WEF CWE 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 (Japan: Aug. 24–30, 2025)
Upcoming Events
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10 Sep
Financing the Future of Water Infrastructure
Join leading experts at WEF's interactive workshop exploring innovative financing solutions for water infrastructure. Discover evolving federal funding programs, PFAS challenges, climate impacts, and opportunities for private investment.
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PAST EVENTS
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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.
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.
