Celebrating the Water Heroes
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) is one of the global water community’s largest and most important annual gatherings. The 2026 edition, ACE26, was held from June 21-24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., drawing more than 10,000 water professionals from across the globe.
The “Water Heroes” Theme
ACE26 centered around the theme “Water Heroes,” placing the spotlight on the people behind water systems and the work required to keep water safe and sustainable. AWWA CEO David LaFrance described water professionals as “relentless innovators, protectors of public health, and guardians of our most vital natural resource,” noting that ACE is where “water leaders of every age come together to share knowledge, learn from peers, and advance solutions that will serve generations to come.”
Keynote and Opening General Session
During the Opening General Session, award-winning journalist and best-selling author Charles Fishman delivered the keynote address, urging attendees to help the public better understand the essential work behind reliable water service. Fishman, author of “The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water,” drew parallels between water professionals and the Apollo program: “The real heroes of Apollo, in my mind, weren’t the astronauts. The real heroes were the 400,000 people back on Earth who made it happen.” He added, “Water is having a moon moment right now, and we need to rise to that moment. Water makes the future possible, and you all are what make water possible. You are the water heroes.”
AWWA President Heather Collins also addressed attendees, emphasizing that part of AWWA’s role is “to make the value of water ā€” and the people behind the water ā€” seen, understood, and appreciated.”
Educational Programming and Tracks
The conference featured a robust educational program with more than 440 presenters across 20 tracks, including 205 educational sessions and 16 Innovation Hub sessions. Programming addressed the sector’s most pressing challenges, including:
- Infrastructure management and capital planning
- PFAS and emerging contaminants
- Lead and copper rule implementation
- Water quality and regulatory compliance
- Utility risk, resilience, and emergency preparedness
- Workforce development and leadership
- Intelligent water and digital systems
- Water reuse and long-term resource planning
- The “Water 2050” vision for future systems
The Exposition Hall
The exhibition floor featured more than 450 exhibitors showcasing the latest products, technologies, equipment, and services supporting the water sector. It served as a central hub where attendees could evaluate new technologies, meet vendors across every categoryā€”treatment, distribution, digital, servicesā€”and compare solutions side-by-side.
Competitions and Community Engagement
ACE blended technical rigor with community engagement through popular competitions, including pipe-tapping contests, Top Ops operator challenges, and tap water taste tests. These events reminded attendees that water remains a hands-on profession and ranked among the most entertaining activities on the schedule.
Looking Ahead: ACE27 and Beyond
AWWA has announced future conference dates and locations:
- ACE27: June 13-16, 2027, in San Diego, California
- ACE28: June 4-7, 2028, in Atlanta, Georgia
- ACE29: June 10-13, 2029, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- ACE30: June 16-19, 2030, in Anaheim, California
Established in 1881, AWWA is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, with approximately 50,000 members. ACE remains the premier event where water professionals discover the latest information, learn new skills, meet colleagues, share ideas, and find new solutions for the critical work of delivering safe and sustainable water to communities around the world.
