Galvanic Corrosion in the Water/Wastewater Infrastructure
2026-04-02 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Virtual
Stainless steel is selected for use in the municipal waterworks industry because of its inherent corrosion resistance properties. Designers oftentimes overlook the associated problems with coupling stainless steel with carbon steel metals. When these materials are electrically connected and placed into aqueous environments (immersion service), accelerated corrosion of the anodic carbon steel metal is initiated.
This webinar will review galvanic (bi-metallic) corrosion theory and, in turn, provide examples where bare stainless steel and coated carbon steel metals were coupled in water and wastewater structures. Recommendations will then be laid out on how to minimize the effects of galvanic coupling stainless steel with carbon steel metals.

National Stormwater Policy Forum
2026-04-07 09:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
The National Stormwater Policy Forum is an annual event co-hosted by the Water Environment Federation (WEF) and the National Municipal Stormwater Alliance (NMSA). This half-day forum is part of Water Week and brings together stormwater professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss the latest legislative and regulatory issues affecting the stormwater sector.
The forum provides a platform for participants to engage with national policymakers, learn about current policy issues, and advocate for the needs of the stormwater community. Topics typically covered include updates on stormwater design standards, climate change resilience, and emerging contaminants like PFAS.
The next forum is scheduled for April 7, 2025. It will be a hybrid event, allowing both in-person and virtual attendance.
In-person event will be held from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM at 660 North Capitol Street NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 200011.
The virtual event will be held via Zoom from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
Forum participation is free.

Water Week 2026
2026-04-12 - 2026-04-18 | Washington DC
The Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA), the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA), the Water Environment Federation (WEF), The Water Research Foundation (WRF), and the WateReuse Association are proud to present the cornerstone event during Water Week – the National Water Policy Fly-In. Save the date for Water Week 2026, taking place from April 12 – 18. The week will feature a comprehensive schedule of in-person events and meetings, including important sessions on Capitol Hill.
Water Week 2026 will offer a unique opportunity for professionals to engage directly with key federal officials, gaining insights into the implementation of significant policy advancements made by the water sector. It will also spotlight critical actions within the EPA’s regulatory agenda that are poised to affect the water sector. Additionally, Water Week presents a platform to build on these successes and unite on Capitol Hill to advocate to lawmakers about the ongoing need for access to safe, affordable, and reliable drinking water, as well as clean water for all communities.
Please mark your calendars for Water Week 2026, April 12 – 18, in Washington, DC. If you have any questions, please contact info@waterweek.us.

Wastewater Treatment Primary Sedimentation and Solids Removal
2026-04-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join us for a comprehensive overview of primary treatment, the essential solids separation stage in wastewater treatment. This one-hour webinar is designed for wastewater operators, utility board members, and municipal decision-makers seeking to understand how primary sedimentation reduces organic loading and protects downstream biological processes.
We’ll cover the fundamental principles of gravity settling, typical primary clarifier configurations and equipment, key operational parameters and performance monitoring, and routine maintenance practices. You’ll learn how effective primary treatment improves overall plant efficiency and contributes to regulatory compliance. Whether you’re new to wastewater operations, managing day-to-day operations or overseeing infrastructure investments, you’ll gain practical insights into this crucial treatment stage.
Presenter: James Markham, Research Engineer at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center

Polling 101: Utilizing Public Opinion Research for the Climate and Environmental Movement
2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
You don’t need to be a polling expert to harness the power of public opinion data for your work. Polling is a critical tool in the movement’s arsenal, and any advocate can learn to interpret the results and glean game-changing strategic insights. Join The Lab and the Environmental Polling Consortium (EPC) for an introductory webinar that will turn you into a polling-savvy campaigner!
In this dynamic session, you will:
-Demystify Polling: See how this research tool can become a critical resource in your campaigns and communications.
-Gain Tools to Access Polling Data: Get the inside track on where to find the most relevant polling data and practical methods for weaving it into your advocacy efforts.
-See Strategy in Action: Learn from real-world examples of how organizations have used public opinion research to achieve wins.
-Get Your Questions Answered!
This is an essential, high-impact 1-hour webinar, followed by an optional 30-minute Q&A session for those ready to dive deeper!

ASCE Innovation Forum
2026-05-06 08:15 - 12:00 | Reservoir Center for Water Solutions
Join the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on May 6 to learn and engage on innovations shaping infrastructure and delivering results.
Highlighting recommendations from ASCE’s 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the event will showcase leading engagement on the infrastructure workforce, effective approaches to water efficiency and delivery, and meaningful strategies in disaster response.

Water Facility Tour - SWE Wichita Section
2026-05-07 15:00 - 17:00 | 2121 N Hoover Road
Join on Thursday May 7 at 5pm for a tour of Wichita’s Northwest Water Facility located at 2120 N Hoover (across from the Zoo).
Wear sturdy closed-toed, lace-up shoes. You must be 18+ to attend.
Please RSVP by Friday May 1:

For more info on the project:

About

Recycling Water for Data Centers and Quantum Computing- The Freshwater Lab
2026-05-08 11:00 - 14:00 | UIC Institute for the Humanities
The rapid expansion of data centers is on everyone’s mind. While there is much talk about energy use and data centers, the implications for water are less known. They are considerable. New hyperscale data centers are forecasted to withdraw 150.4 billion gallons of water between 2025 and 2030, the equivalent of 4.6 million U.S. households.
More than 97% of water used by major data center operators is purchased from municipal drinking water systems and used consumptively, meaning that it is evaporated and lost to the system. Data center water use, even in the Great Lakes watershed, has serious implications for the present and the future.
Although data centers potentially require a lot of water, they do not need high quality drinking water. Other countries and U.S. states rely on water recycling to supply this growing sector, and their precedent can be a roadmap for water reuse around the Great Lakes.
● What would it take to advance water reuse in Illinois?
● What policy, infrastructure, partnerships and voices are essential?
● What can we learn from established models elsewhere, and what can Illinois contribute?

PANELISTS

Precious Brady-Davis, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
James Jennings, Acting Director, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Rachel Havrelock, Director, The Freshwater Lab
Robert Strong, Environmental Justice Advocate, Crossroads Collective
Brad Tietz, Director of State Policy, Data Center Coalition

MODERATOR
Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, Midwest Regional Reporter, Grist and WBEZ Chicago

Texas Water Action Collaborative Meeting
2026-05-12 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-07-14 08:00 - 10:00, 2026-09-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
Facilitated by Texan by Nature, the Texas Water Action Collaborative (TxWAC) matches funders to projects. TxWAC accelerates investments in conservation projects that benefit natural resources in Texas. Complete the form below and click the register button to attend bi-monthly meetings. Agendas will be provided in advance of each meeting.
The purpose of these meetings is to:
– provide a collaborative space to share updates,
– learn more about projects that need funding,
– explore conservation tools/services,
– learn about water policy in Texas and ways to get involved
– and hear from corporates on their goals/funding priorities (and more!)
Learn more about how to get involved at https://texanbynature.org/projects/texas-water-action-collaborative/ and contact urvi@texanbynature.org for questions.

Community Engagement in Stormwater Planning
2026-05-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Comprehensive stormwater management planning can play a pivotal role in enabling communities to address stormwater management challenges and goals strategically, leveraging staff time and budgets to achieve the biggest impact in protecting the health and safety of residents, properties, and public assets. Community engagement is a critical component of this process, enabling utilities to tap into local knowledge around stormwater management issues, align this process with other priorities or complementary initiatives, and create a foundation for long-term, robust community engagement effort around stormwater.
This webinar will share resources and highlight the experience of communities in incorporating community engagement throughout the planning process. These presentations has 3 objectives:
1. Highlight the value and role of community engagement in stormwater planning efforts.
2. Share pathways, resources, and examples of how to effectively incorporate community engagement into stormwater planning efforts.
3. Highlight funding, financing and technical assistance available to support stormwater planning processes in small communities.

How Water Sector Utilities are Building Resilience to Natural Hazards: Utilities Recount their Engagement with EPA SWIFT Technical Assistance
2026-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
US EPA’s Strengthening Water Infrastructure for Tomorrow (SWIFT) initiative invites all interested water utility managers and staff, technical assistance providers, state and local government employees, and other water sector stakeholders to join a free webinar to learn how SWIFT’s technical assistance supports water utilities in enhancing their resilience to natural hazards. Hear directly from utility representatives across the country that have engaged in the process to build system resilience to various natural hazards.
Questions? Email Audrey Ramming (ramming.audrey@epa.gov)

Polling 201: Utilizing Public Opinion Research in your Communications Campaigns
2026-05-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
You’ve got the basics of public opinion research, but are you ready to transform that knowledge into persuasive action? Join the Climate Advocacy Lab and the Environmental Polling Consortium for this dynamic, interactive webinar. We’re building on the foundation of Polling 101 to give you concrete, actionable strategies. In this session, you will:
-Discover how polling functions as a powerful movement-building tool.
-Learn to translate polling data directly into a winning communications strategy.
-Get key lessons and takeaways from successful campaigns.
-Have all your questions answered in a dedicated Q&A session!
This is a fast-paced 1-hour webinar with an optional, deep-dive 30-minute Q&A to follow.

Exploring Environmental Cleanup and Critical Minerals as Economic Drivers in Fossil Fuel Communities
2026-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
What economic activities offer promise for fossil fuel communities? Using examples of oil and gas well cleanup in Canada, waterway restoration in Pennsylvania, and direct lithium extraction from oilfield brines in Arkansas, presenters will discuss to what degree these activities can drive economic growth in fossil-dependent regions, including impacts on existing local businesses and attracting new business.
Featuring:
-Laurel Wheeler, Assistant Professor, University of Alberta
-Jeremy Weber, Professor, University of Pittsburgh
-Max Harleman, Assistant Professor, Villanova University
-Aaron Malone, Research Assistant Professor, Colorado School of Mines
-Daniel Raimi, Fellow; Director, Communities in the Energy Transition Initiative, Resources for the Future (moderator)

Understanding the PFAS Regulatory Framework: What to Know and Watch For
2026-06-04 09:00 - 10:00 | Virtual
PFAS regulations are rapidly evolving at the federal and state levels, creating new compliance challenges and financial pressures for water systems across the country. Small and mid-sized utilities, in particular, must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape while managing limited resources. Understanding what’s required now – and what’s on the horizon – is critical to protecting both public health and system sustainability.
This one-hour webinar will break down the current PFAS regulatory framework, highlight key compliance risks and monitoring requirements, and explore practical, cost-effective strategies for managing PFAS-related obligations. The session is designed for utility managers, public works directors, finance and grant administrators, and organizations focused on safe drinking water who are looking to stay informed on regulatory developments and plan effectively for the future.
Presenters:
– Carolyn Berndt, Legislative Director for Sustainability on the Federal Advocacy team at the National League of Cities (NLC)
– Charlotte Mitchell, Associate Legislative Director for Environment, Energy and Land Use policy at National Association of Counties (NACo)
– Alexis Lan, Physical Scientist and Policy Analyst in the Office of Water, Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Green Schoolyards as a Stormwater and Community Resilience Strategy
2026-06-16 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
This webinar opens a three-part series bringing together national practitioners for practical discussions on green schoolyards as a high-impact strategy for climate resilience, public health and stormwater compliance. In this webinar, Danielle Denk (Trust for Public Land (TPL)), sets the national stage with a holistic vision for green schoolyards and TPL’s long-term community schoolyard model – illustrated by a rural/Tribal project example – along with the How to Create a Community Schoolyard toolkit and its practical tips and tools for implementation. Jim Sparber (Greenprint Partners) follows with a practitioner’s view of utility grant funding as a key opportunity for green schoolyard development.
Participants will leave understanding how to build buy-around the many community benefits of green schoolyards as well as how they are being prioritized by communities across the country, gain insights on how to successfully plan for, implement and sustain them, and learn how utilities can meet their goals through green schoolyard projects.
Presenters:
• Danielle Denk, Community Schoolyard Initiative Director, Trust for Public Lands (TPL)
• Jim Sparber, PE, Vice President of Engineering, Greenprint Partners
• Anna Jentz, Senior Planner, Greenprint Partners (moderator)

Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference
2026-06-17 00:00
WEFTEC, the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America and offers water quality professionals the best water quality education and training available.
WEFTEC 2026 gathers the brightest minds and most advanced technology under one roof. It’s a hands-on environment built specifically for problem-solving and rapid progress.
Organized by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), WEFTEC is the largest annual water quality conference in the world and THE place to find the solutions and connections you’re looking for. We’ve championed the water sector since 1928 and know how to help you build a resilient future.

The Clean Water Act Puzzle
2026-06-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
In 1972, The Clean Water Act (CWA) was the first of the major environmental statute passed by Congress for enactment by the then fledgling Environmental Protection Agency. The wide-ranging statute covers a multitude of activities that were designed to work in unison to restore, maintain, and protect the nation’s surface waters. Because of the expansiveness of the CWA, practitioners may only deal with a discreet portion (e.g., NPDES permitting) without understanding how that discreet portion fits into the objectives of the overall Act – like pieces of a puzzle fitting together to create a big picture. Join us for this no-cost webinar with Mike Tate, a seasoned expert with over 40 years of experience in dealing with all aspects of the CWA. You’ll get an insider’s look at how visionary the CWA was and still is in its goal of improving the quality of the nation’s surface waters.
Learning Objectives:
– Understand the structure of the Clean Water Act – the six Titles and key Sections in those Titles
– Understand how each Title of the Clean Water Act builds on the others to protect and maintain the quality of the nation’s surface waters
– Understand how the Clean Water Act statute is supported by federal regulations
– Gain an appreciation for the visionary aspects of Clean Water Act
Presenter: Mike Tate, PE.

Wastewater Secondary Treatment (Part 2)
2026-06-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Join us for part 2 of our two-part webinar on wastewater secondary treatment. This one-hour webinar is designed to train wastewater operators, utility board members, and municipal decision-makers on fixed-film media secondary treatment and its role in wastewater treatment. In this training, we will discuss the various types of fixed-film media typically used in wastewater treatment, their components, and basic operation and troubleshooting practices. Whether you’re new to wastewater operations, managing day-to-day operations, or overseeing infrastructure investments, you’ll gain practical insights into this crucial treatment stage.
Learning Objectives:
– Introduce the different types of fixed-film media
– Learn about the typical components of fixed-film media
– Discuss basic operation and troubleshooting principles for the most common fixed-film media processes
Presenter: A.J. Barney, Research Engineer at the Southwest Environmental Finance Center

Reducing Energy Costs for Small Wastewater Treatment Plants
2026-07-07 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face increasing pressure from rising electricity costs, aging infrastructure, and more stringent treatment requirements. Energy is often one of the largest operating expenses for small systems. This webinar will explore practical opportunities to reduce costs through energy efficiency improvements, operational optimization, and renewable energy solutions such as solar power.
Participants will learn how energy is used in wastewater treatment facilities, common sources of energy inefficiency, and strategies to reduce energy consumption while maintaining treatment performance. The webinar will highlight low-cost operational improvements, high-efficiency equipment upgrades, and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that can help lower utility expenses and improve long-term resilience.
Presenter: Danish Kumar, Program Manager, University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center

Polling 301: Maximizing Campaign Impact with Public Opinion Research
2026-07-09 10:00 - 11:30 | Virtual
Winning climate advocacy campaigns requires understanding the public to make strategic, data-driven campaign decisions and capture the public narrative. This training is for you if you understand the basics of public opinion research, but want more concrete guidance on how to work with public opinion researchers to inform your campaigns and communications. Join the Yale Program for Climate Change Communication, the Climate Advocacy Lab, and the Environmental Polling Consortium for an interactive webinar that will guide participants through polling methodology and best practices.
This online training will:
-Demonstrate how polling works as a movement tool;
-Demonstrate how to understand your audience;
-Explain different types of research tools and how to execute research through vendors; and
-Provide space for participants to write their own survey questions and collect feedback.
This is a 1 ½ -hour webinar with interactive elements.

How States Are Tackling the Challenges of Managing Federal Funds
2026-07-15 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Join the States Energizing Communities Collaborative for a discussion with experts from the Pew Charitable Trusts on “How States Are Tackling the Challenges of Managing Federal Funds” (https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/reports/2026/05/how-states-are-tackling-the-challenges-of-managing-federal-funds). The conversation will focus on ways states can help local governments that lack resources to manage federal grants, including examples from Hawaii, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Kansas, North Carolina, Ohio, Utah, and Wyoming.
This virtual collaborative meeting will take place on July 15 at 3 p.m. ET. Please contact Catherine Kemp (ckemp@gpisd.net) or Melissa Cheatham (melissa@s2strategies.org) with questions.

AI, datacenters, and water: What's the real story?
2026-07-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Few topics in water are as controversial or hotly contested at the moment as the issue of water and datacenters. Senior Research Analyst Dr Vishal Wagholikar will discuss his upcoming Insight Report “Data Centers- Separating hype from reality” and with deeper analysis on water consumption by the data center industry, what regulation is really driving and where the opportunities are for the water sector – and who is best placed to meet them. There will also be Q&A session.

Cleaning Our Waterways: Green Infrastructure Solutions for 6PPDQ
2026-07-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Every time it rains, water washing off roads and highways carries pollutants into nearby streams, rivers, and estuaries. One of the most concerning pollutants is 6PPD-quinone (6PPDQ), a chemical byproduct of a common tire rubber additive that is among the most toxic substances known to aquatic life. This webinar introduces 6PPDQ to planners and technical staff who may be encountering it for the first time and shows what communities can do about it. Speakers from The Nature Conservancy, Washington State DOT, Herrera Inc, and Stewardship Partners will share lessons learned from using green stormwater infrastructure as a solution and discuss how municipalities, transportation agencies, and nonprofits can work together to deploy solutions, engage their communities, and access funding.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will:
· Understand what 6PPDQ is, where it comes from, and why it poses an urgent water quality and ecological concern for communities across the U.S.
· Learn about green stormwater infrastructure as a practical, proven approach to intercepting contaminants before they reach waterways.
· Understand how the Box-of-Rain model works, what it has achieved in field testing, and how it could be adapted beyond its Pacific Northwest origins.
· Understand what multi-sector partnerships look like in practice and how transportation agencies, municipalities, nonprofits, and community volunteers can work together to scale GSI solutions.
· Leave with actionable next steps for exploring GSI solutions in their own community context.
Presenters: · Kate Sievers – Nature Based Solutions Program Manager – The Nature Conservancy · Tony Bush – Stormwater Branch Manager – Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) · Dylan Ahearn – Principal Scientist – Herrera Inc · Soumi Gaddameedi – Grants & Development Manager – Stewardship Partners

Connecting with Your Community: Bridging the Gap Between Operations and Communication
2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Virtual
Communication with community members can be challenging due to staff and time constraints and lack of resources; however, you can engage with your community about your utility in easy, efficient ways. Existing resources, basic understanding of communication techniques, and a little planning can strengthen your communication strategies. This session will build on the basis that an informed community will support the efforts of the utility to continue to provide the necessary service of clean, safe drinking water.
Learning Objectives:
– Understand the main components of effective communication
– Learn 3 principles of connecting with your community
– Identify ideal options for developing a communication plan
Presenter: Michelle DeHaven, Senior Program Manager, Environmental Finance Center at Wichita State University

EPA Tools & Resources Webinar: Designing & Implementing Effective Participatory Science Projects
2026-08-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual
Participatory science is the involvement of the public in science. It uses the collective strength and knowledge of the public to collect, analyze, and use data to answer environmental and public health questions. Projects answer wide-ranging questions, can engage the public in any or all steps of the scientific process, and operate using varying models ranging from community-led to institutionally driven. These efforts facilitate an increase in place-based connections, environmental stewardship, and human health and environmental protection.
Have you wondered about the steps needed to build a successful participatory science project? Are you curious to learn how to engage and collaborate with your local community to do science? This webinar will walk through common steps and processes to design and implement a participatory science project as well as water, air, and soil case studies from across the country. The presenters will walk through their planning process steps, discuss outcomes, and highlight lessons learned.
This webinar will:
1) Introduce the building blocks to developing a participatory science project.
2) Share the Oklahoma Conservation Commission – Blue Thumb story.
3) Present the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality – Community Air Action Planning program.
4) Highlight collaboration approaches in Region 8 to test soil health using the soilSHOPs model.

Minnesota Water Resources Conference
2026-10-13 - 2026-10-14 | Saint Paul RiverCentre
The Minnesota Water Resources Conference is the premier event for Minnesota water resources professionals and one of the largest such gatherings in the nation. The conference brings together researchers, practitioners, and water resource professionals from across the state to share cutting-edge science, engineering solutions, management insights, and practical approaches to manage water resources.
The Minnesota Water Resources Conference is an opportunity to build connections across sectors, with attendance from agency, academic, non-governmental, and private sector leaders. Attendees benefit from sharing:

Lessons learned from the implementation of engineering projects

Best practices discovered in the design and application of water resource management techniques

Innovations in modeling and technology transfer

Implications of water policy decisions

Social and natural science research on current and emerging issues

ReFRESH Summit
2026-10-13 - 2026-10-14 | Milwaukee, WI
ReFRESH is not a typical water conference.
It is a curated innovation forum for leaders who are ready to refresh how progress happens in water.
The challenges are not new – aging infrastructure, funding gaps, workforce shortages, pollution, climate pressure. But they do require new ways of thinking, breaking down silos to solve long-standing problems.
ReFRESH brings together decision-makers across the public, private and academic sectors to explore radical collaboration, honest conversations and a commitment to action.

Women's Aquatic Network: Think Like A Tree
2026-10-28 14:30 - 16:00 | Virtual
This workshop offers a practical and reflective space to explore how you can build confidence, adaptability, and long-term resilience in the face of stress and burnout—both individually and as part of a team.
WAN’s 2026 Professional Development Series is generously supported by the Reservoir Center for Water Solutions.
