Award-winning journalist and author Charles Fishman delivered the opening keynote address at the American Water Works Association's (AWWA's) Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE26), taking place June 21-24 in Washington, D.C.

Fishman, author of The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water, spoke during the conference’s Opening General Session on June 22 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. His presentation aligned with ACE26’s “Water Heroes” theme by highlighting the often-unseen work performed by water professionals to maintain essential drinking water and wastewater services.

Drawing on themes from his recent book, One Giant Leap: The Impossible Mission That Flew Us to the Moon, Fishman compared the contributions of water utility employees to the engineers, technicians and support personnel whose work made the Apollo moon mission possible.

Fishman stated that recent future moon missions will require astronauts to bring water with them. "At the moment, the cost to deliver water from the Earth to the Moon is $1 Million per gallon," he said. 

Fishman said water professionals perform critical public service work that often goes unnoticed because water systems are designed to operate reliably in the background of daily life. During his keynote, he discussed the importance of public understanding and support for water infrastructure as utilities face growing challenges related to aging assets, investment needs and long-term water security.

During his keynote address, Fishman stated that the success of the early Moon missions werea attributed to the roughly 400,000 people on Earth who were committed to the project, stating that the water industry is no different. "Water makes the future possible, and all of you and your colleagues make water possible," he said.

ACE26 is expected to draw thousands of water professionals from across North America. The conference will feature more than 440 presenters, 205 educational sessions, 20 professional tracks, 16 Innovation Hub sessions and a 450-booth exhibition showcasing products, technologies and services for the water sector.