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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.

Circular Water Economy FAQ

 

 

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

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 economy initiatives in action: Denmark – June 15-21
Japan - August 24-30 Apply today.

Transform

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Upcoming Events

PAST EVENTS

  • 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.

    Learn More
  • 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.

    Learn More

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.

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 a variety of 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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Biosolids Resource Recovery

Through biosolids management, solid residue from wastewater treatment is processed to reduce or eliminate pathogens and minimize odors, forming a safe, beneficial agricultural product. Biosolids are carefully monitored and must be used in accordance with regulatory requirements.

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Collection Systems and Conveyance

The system of underground pipes and maintenance structures that convey wastewater has brought dramatic improvements to public health. Most sewers carry wastes from households and commercial establishments and are referred to as sanitary sewers.

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Government & Regulatory Affairs

WEF advocacy activities aim to educate WEF members and the water sector on public policy issues related to water quality and resources and equip them to play a greater role in water policy discussions.

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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 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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RESOURCES

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