UMC 2025

Get ready for the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2025 in Dallas! Join water and wastewater managers and professionals at one of the leading, most informative, and most prestigious management conferences in the water sector.

See What's in Store This Year ➤ 

What's Happening at WEF

Save the date for the 2025 Wastewater Disease Surveillance Summit

On June 3–4, 2025, at The California Endowment’s Center for Healthy Communities in Los Angeles—or join virtually via Zoom! Hosted by WEF, alongside the CDPH California Surveillance of Wastewaters (Cal-SuWers) Team (as part of the California National Wastewater Surveillance System Center of Excellence) and in collaboration with the CDC, this two-day gathering will feature presentations, discussions, and networking for professionals across the wastewater surveillance field.

 

Read More

2025 WEF Awards Program is OPEN – APPLY TODAY!

The time is now to recognize the best of the best in water. With many different categories and types of Awards to choose from – take a look at all that this program has to offer!

WEF Awards Applications close on March 31, 2025 (11:59pm ET)

 

Learn More and Apply

New Operator Certification Study Book

The 3rd edition of the bestselling Wastewater Collection System Operator Certification Study Book is now available in print and digital. Master your certification exam with almost 800 field-tested questions and solutions, including more than 50 math problems, as well as a comprehensive glossary and references!

Learn More

Hi, I'm WEF AI

Think of me as your on-call, super-brained librarian to get you the specific information you need fast. Just type your questions to me and I’ll use my artificial intelligence and the curated list of WEF resources I’ve been trained on to give you a custom response.

Learn About Me

Let’s speak with a united voice for water!

Aging infrastructure, strict requirements, and continued economic pressures have put unprecedented stress on local governments and agencies that provide essential water services. Elected officials are being called upon to make tough choices that will impact water quality and the viability of our communities for generations to come.

The Water Advocates Program helps you to reach out to and connect with elected officials on important water quality issues.

contact your Member of congress

download the wef advocacy toolkit

Selected Upcoming Events

WEF offers an assortment of conferences, webcasts, and other meetings and events. View the list of All Events

  • 11 - 14 Feb

    WEF/AWWA Utility Management 2025

    Get prepared for the WEF/AWWA Utility Management Conference 2025 in Dallas, Texas, to join water and wastewater managers and professionals at one of the leading, most informative, and most prestigious management conferences in the water sector.

    Learn More
  • 16 - 19 Mar

    40th Annual WateReuse Symposium

    Do not miss the 40th Annual WateReuse Symposium, March 16-19, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. The Annual Symposium presents what’s new and what’s next in water reuse policy, operations, technology and public perception.

    Learn More
  • 06 - 09 May

    Residuals & Biosolids and Innovations in Treatment Technology 2025

    Hear from professionals as they highlight new technologies, successful innovations, and current best practices. Get a real-world look at projects implemented, and participate in an interactive experience with equipment, technology, and service vendors that continue to improve efforts in providing high-quality infrastructure throughout the country.

    Learn More

WEF WATER STORIES

One of WEF's strategic goals is to attract and develop a diverse and passionate water workforce. This year at WEFTEC, Affinity Groups met that brought together people who share a common identity and provide a safe space to discuss issues facing the groups.

WEF WATER STORIES

WEF has many programs to support students and young professionals in the water sector. Mackenzie Rickard is an InFLOW and 2024 WEF Communications Scholar; watch this video to learn more about her journey.

See the Latest Water Sector News

Research & Innovation
Water Sector Organizations Partner on Innovative Generative AI Research Project

Today, the American Water Works Association (AWWA), in collaboration with the Water Environment Federation (WEF) The Water Research Foundation (WRF) and Karmous ...

Continue Reading
Modeling
Time is Now to Abandon ‘Bathtub Modeling,’ Researchers Argue

New commentary letter calls for departure from flood-modeling practices that encourage sensationalism

Continue Reading
Climate Change
Manhattan Looks to The Future With Integrated Flood Protection

New York City completes first phase of USD $1.45 billion East Side Coastal Resiliency project

Continue Reading

LifeFreeofWaterChallenges_Logo_72dpiX1000px.png

Imagine life free of water challenges. What does that look like to you? Check out WEF’s new Strategic Plan to see how we’ll get there and then share your water story.

Details About the Strategic Plan

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

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn More

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.

Learn more

Stormwater & Watershed Management

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

Learn more

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.

Learn more

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.

Learn More

Join or Renew Your WEF Membership Today

Connect with our community of water professionals who ensure that our local communities have access to clean water that protects public health. Explore our member benefits and find the membership type that’s right for you.

Join or Renew Online

The logo for WEF Skills BuilderTest your knowledge of wastewater and laboratory with a 10-question, multiple-choice quiz. Quizzes incorporate math, safety, and a variety of other topics to help you test, maintain, and advance your wastewater knowledge.

Take a Quiz