At WEFTEC 2025, the Circular Water Economy took the spotlight, underscoring how rethinking the way we manage water can shape a more sustainable future. From opening day to closing sessions, the Circular Water Economy Pavilion and Theater provided a platform for global leaders, utilities, and innovators to share how they are advancing the 3Rs—Reduce, Recover, and Regenerate—and building real-world solutions that benefit communities worldwide.
Japan Study Tour: Melody LaBella (Central Contra Costa Sanitary District), Viraj deSilva (Freese and Nichols), Yosuke Matsumiya (Japan Sewage Works Association), Michael Kessler (Town of Tonawanda), and Keith Hobson (WEF President) share participant perspectives at the Circular Water Economy Theater.
The Circular Water Economy Theater launched with opening remarks from Tariq Alghaffari, Vice President of the Saudi Water Authority, who set the stage for three days of lively discussion. Programming featured international perspectives, including study tours to Denmark and Japan, which highlighted best practices in reuse, recovery, and innovative approaches to resource management.
Tariq Alghaffari, Vice President of the Saudi Water Authority, delivers opening remarks to launch the Circular Water Economy Theater at WEFTEC 2025.
Sessions also showcased how utilities and partners are putting principles into action through nutrient trading, water stewardship, reuse technologies, and nature-based solutions. These examples illustrated how collaboration across regions and sectors is essential to building a water future that is not only sustainable, but resilient.
Importantly, the circular water principles extended well beyond the Theater. They were explored throughout WEFTEC — in technical sessions, workshops, and interactive exhibits at the Innovation Pavilion, Water-AI Nexus, and Global Center. Circular water themes also featured prominently in young professional events, where partnerships, collaboration, reuse technologies, resource recovery, and nature-based solutions were highlighted as key strategies for shaping a sustainable water future.
Denmark Study Tour: Jay Bernas (HRSD), Rebecca West (ReWa), Nathaniel Tillis (City of Racine), and Chandra Baker (Halton Region) share participant perspectives at the Circular Water Economy Theater.
Continue the Conversation Beyond WEFTEC
The momentum around the Circular Water Economy doesn’t stop with WEFTEC. Keep exploring and engaging with WEF resources designed to deepen your knowledge and expand impact:
- Download the Valuation Report: Explore how a shift toward circular water practices could unlock up to $47 billion annually in direct economic value for U.S. water utilities and municipalities. Read the report →
- Enroll in Circular Water 101: Gain a deeper understanding of the foundational principles of circular water through this self-paced, three-hour course. Participants earn certification upon completion. Start learning →
- Explore the Case Study Map: Discover real-world examples of utilities, industries, and communities putting the reduce, recover, and regenerate principles into practice. View the map →
By continuing the conversation, you help accelerate the shift to a sustainable water future.