ACE26 Water Industry Insights: Innovations, Challenges, and Future Trends

Explore our pre-show interviews and on-site reports from ACE26, capturing innovations in water treatment, infrastructure resilience, and emerging contaminants, with exclusive videos and industry leader perspectives.

Join WaterWorld as we bring you comprehensive coverage from the water industry’s premier event: the American Water Works Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition (ACE26). Bringing together thousands of water professionals, utility leaders, engineers, researchers, and technology providers, ACE26 is where the industry’s most pressing challenges and innovative solutions take center stage.

Our ACE26 coverage will provide an inside look at the conversations shaping the future of municipal water. Leading up to the conference, explore our preshow Q&As featuring speakers, exhibitors, and industry experts who will share their perspectives on key issues facing utilities today — from PFAS and emerging contaminants to water reuse, artificial intelligence, infrastructure resilience, and the evolving needs of water systems nationwide.

During the event, the WaterWorld team will be on the show floor capturing the latest technologies, project updates, and expert insights. Look for articles highlighting new products, innovative treatment approaches, utility success stories, and the trends driving the future of drinking water. We’ll also bring you exclusive video interviews featuring industry leaders and innovators discussing the challenges and opportunities shaping the water sector.

Whether you’re attending ACE26 in person or following along from afar, this page will serve as your resource for timely coverage, expert analysis, and highlights from one of the most important gatherings in the water industry.

Check back regularly for new ACE26 coverage, including preshow interviews, show-floor reports, videos, and insights from the professionals working to advance safe, reliable, and sustainable water solutions.

Pre-show highlights

Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring new tracks on communications and HR, a focus on pressing issues like PFAS and cybersecurity, and opportunities to engage with ...
June 19, 2026
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By leveraging a large dataset of real-world service line failures, researchers uncovered surprising durability patterns in legacy materials like lead and galvanized steel, emphasizing...
June 17, 2026

ACE26 show coverage

Charles Fishman delivered the keynote at ACE26, emphasizing the vital yet often unseen work of water professionals in maintaining essential water services and drawing parallels...
June 22, 2026
Columbus is developing a non-potable water reuse master plan to address the rising water demands from its booming data center industry.
June 23, 2026
As microplastics gain regulatory attention, key issues such as detection limitations, scientific knowledge gaps and the development of standardized definitions rise to the top...
June 23, 2026
As AI and data centers grow, water utilities must proactively plan for increased demand, focusing on infrastructure, cooling technologies and community involvement to ensure sustainable...
June 24, 2026
Water utilities face significant hurdles in deploying PFAS treatment technologies swiftly and at scale, with supply chain, construction and regulatory challenges demanding early...
June 24, 2026
Industry leaders at ACE26 highlight the importance of proactive planning, including tracking costs and partnering with research institutions, to stay ahead of emerging water quality...
June 25, 2026
The discussion highlights the importance of leveraging AI to enhance water utility efficiency, the pressing need to balance infrastructure investments with affordability, and ...
July 24, 2026
Collins reflects on her leadership journey, the value of industry connections, and offers strategic advice for future AWWA leaders, emphasizing focus, momentum, and collaborative...
July 24, 2026
This conversation highlights the expanding role of AI in prioritizing infrastructure investments, addressing climate-related challenges, and understanding changing water use patterns...
July 24, 2026
This interview underscores the significance of community briefings, redundant communication methods, and dedicated leadership to ensure effective information flow and customer...
July 24, 2026
This interview explores the complexities of defining and regulating microplastics in drinking water, highlighting scientific gaps, public concern, and the challenges utilities...
July 24, 2026
Advanced sensors and integrated mapping capabilities allow utilities to shift from reactive repairs to proactive maintenance, improving operational efficiency and asset longevity...
July 24, 2026
From degrading meters to failing pipes, VODA.ai helps utilities make faster, more confident infrastructure decisions. Learn how AI-powered decision support, and two new products...
July 23, 2026
Discover how Neptune delivers targeted, adaptable solutions that meet utilities’ current needs while helping them evolve for a stronger future. In this video, learn how Neptune...
July 20, 2026
Water loss is bigger than leaks. iHydrant Plus™ is a hydrant-based water system intelligence platform, providing water utilities, both municipal and private systems of any size...
July 8, 2026
More data doesn't create better utilities. Better measurement does. Learn how trusted data improves daily operations, aligns teams, and gives utility leaders the confidence to...
July 8, 2026
Why Face Recognition Is the Next Essential Layer of Utility Security
July 6, 2026