Circular Water Economy
Leading the way for public and private sectors to optimize and recover valuable resources from water and wastewater in ways that fight climate change, support equitable economic development, and ensure water services for all.
In today's world, where managing resources sustainably is essential, the concept of the Circular Water Economy (CWE) offers a practical and efficient solution. CWE focuses on recycling and reclaiming resources in our water systems, aiming to provide maximum benefits for communities, the environment, and businesses.
This approach is not just about being resourceful; it's a critical step in combating climate change, promoting fair economic opportunities, and ensuring reliable water services for everyone.
'Circular Water Economy' Defined
What Is A 'Circular Water Economy'?
A circular water economy recycles and recovers resources within the water use and treatment cycle to maximize value for people, nature, and businesses.
The circular water economy exists when the public and private sectors optimize and recover valuable resources from water and wastewater in ways that fight climate change, support equitable economic development, and ensure water services for all. Circular water economy practices keep products and materials in use, regenerate natural systems, and design out waste and pollution. This model helps build a just and sustainable society and ensures it for the future.
WEF CWE Task Force
A CWE approach requires expanding the traditional scope of projects and planning to capture the needs and input of stakeholders from throughout the water sector and beyond.
In 2023, WEF assembled a 24-person Circular Water Economy task force that defined the WEF meaning of CWE and established a framework for WEF to lead the implementation of circular economy in the water sector. The aim is to continue and evolve established programs as well as initiate new programs that will advance CWE principals.
| Co-Chair: Erika Bailey, Raleigh Water | Co-Chair: Mark Jockers, Clean Water Services |
| Morgan Brown, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Olaf van der Kolk, Aqua Minerals |
| Qingshi Tu, University of British Columbia | Ifetayo Venner, Arcadis |
| Vanessa Borkowski, Stantec | Dana Gonzalez, Hampton Roads Sanitation District |
| Katy Lackey, PolicyLink | Allen Townsend, World Wildlife Fund |
| Paul Kadota, Metro Vancouver | Megan Schneider, Accenture |
| Aimeé Killeen, Providence | Heather Jennings, Bio Hume Netics Inc. |
| Sarah Guzman, Black and Veatch | Debora Coy, XPV Water Partners |
| Kevin Shafer, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District | Haley Falconer, City of Boise, Idaho |
| Matt Magruder Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District | Samantha Villegas, Raftelis |
| Jonathan Liberzon, Tomorrow Water | Kurt Carson, Grand Junction |
| Corey Williams, Smartcover Systems | |
Circular Water Economy Summit 2024
Join us July 15-17 in Dallas 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.
Attend the SummitCircular Water Economy News
The latest biosolids articles, videos, and other content from throughout the organization and across the water sector.
Staying Focused on Our Mission During Times of Change
As a global institution, WEF stays closely connected with our members, markets, customers, stakeholders, and governments, especially during periods of transition, ...
Continue Reading
WEF Represents Water Sector at White House Roundtable on Water Security and Climate Resilience
WEF Executive Director Ralph Exton had the unique opportunity to highlight the federation's commitment to building a more sustainable and resilient water future.
Continue Reading
Meet 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 ...
Continue Reading
Rauch-Williams Chosen as 2024 WEFTEC Master Lecturer
The Water Environment Federation (WEF; Alexandria, Virginia) and the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors (AEESP; Washington, D.C.) are ...
Continue Reading
Second Annual WEF Circular Water Economy Summit to Drive Sustainable Solutions
The Water Environment Federation’s second annual Circular Water Economy Summit (CWES) will take place in Dallas, Texas, July 15-17. This unique event gathers ...
Continue Reading
Preview the 2024 Program
Click through the digital WEFTEC 2024 Conference Preview to learn more about the 2024 educational programming, see who is exhibiting, begin to plan your WEFTEC ...
Continue ReadingJoin 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.
