The largest annual water quality conference and exhibition in the world. It is hosted by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). WEFTEC is for water—covering everything from drinking water treatment and wastewater management to stormwater infrastructure and resource recovery.
Event Details
- Dates: September 26–30, 2026
- Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | New Orleans, LA
What is WEFTEC?
It is the definitive event for water professionals. Unlike smaller regional shows, WEFTEC covers the entire water cycle.
Key features include:
- The Exhibition: Over 1,000 exhibitors spanning 300,000+ sq. ft. You will see every major pump, valve, pipe, screen, clarifier, membrane, chemical feed system, and SCADA/automation system on the market.
- The Technical Program: Over 140 educational sessions and 30+ workshops, presenting peer-reviewed papers on cutting-edge research, regulatory updates (EPA Clean Water Act), and utility management.
- WEFTEC Connect & Networking: Massive networking receptions, utility tours (visiting local New Orleans or Chicago treatment plants), and specialized forums for young professionals and women in water.
- Innovation Pavilion: A dedicated showcase for startups and new technologies, including PFAS (forever chemicals) treatment solutions, AI-driven leak detection, and energy-neutral treatment plants.
Who Attends?
- Water & Wastewater Utility Directors (municipalities and sanitation districts).
- Environmental/Civil Engineers (consulting firms like CDM Smith, Jacobs, AECOM).
- Plant Operators & Superintendents (the people actually running the treatment facilities).
- Industrial Water Managers (from food/beverage, chemical, and power plants).
- Regulators & Government Officials (EPA, state DEPs).
What will be massive in 2026 & 2027?
| Theme | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| PFAS Destruction | With new federal MCLs (Maximum Contaminant Levels) for PFAS in drinking water, the show floor will be flooded with new granular activated carbon, ion exchange, and high-pressure membrane systems specifically designed to remove and destroy “forever chemicals.” |
| Nutrient Removal | Stricter limits on nitrogen and phosphorus in wastewater (to combat algal blooms) will drive sessions on advanced biological nutrient removal (BNR) and new sensor tech. |
| Digital Twins & AI | Using AI to create virtual replicas of treatment plants to predict equipment failures, optimize chemical dosing, and save energy costs. |
| Resource Recovery | Moving from “wastewater treatment” to “water resource recovery”—extracting bioplastics, phosphorus for fertilizer, and converting sludge into renewable natural gas (RNG). |
| Stormwater & Flood Resilience | With climate change driving more extreme weather, expect massive focus on green infrastructure, permeable pavements, and real-time stormwater monitoring. |
Pro-Tip for Attending
If you are planning to go to WEFTEC, book your hotel and flights extremely early—especially for the 2026 show in New Orleans. The show brings over 20,000 attendees to the city, and hotels in the French Quarter/CBD sell out 6–9 months in advance.