Highlights and Outcomes from the Watercon 2019 Conference

Introduction to Watercon 2019

Watercon 2019 was an important conference focused on water conservation and sustainability that took place in 2019. Water resources are becoming increasingly strained around the world due to factors like population growth, pollution, and climate change. Events like Watercon bring together key stakeholders to discuss solutions to the water crisis.

About the Watercon 2019 Conference

The Watercon 2019 conference was held from March 15-17, 2019 in San Diego, California. It was the 7th iteration of the annual Watercon event. The theme for 2019 was "Imagining Tomorrow's Water."

The event attracted over 1,500 attendees from around the world, including water professionals, researchers, government officials, and representatives from the business community. Speakers and panelists at Watercon 2019 included high-profile figures like environmentalist Erin Brockovich and EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler.

Watercon is hosted each year by the Water Environment Federation (WEF), a nonprofit organization focused on preserving and enhancing global water resources. WEF has over 35,000 members from diverse backgrounds who contribute to the field of water quality.

Goals and Focus of the Conference

The overarching goal of Watercon 2019 was to drive innovation and collaboration to address pressing water challenges. The diverse attendees provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas across different disciplines and sectors.

Some of the major topics covered at the conference included:

• Water reuse and recycling
• Stormwater management
• Water pollution and treatment
• Water infrastructure sustainability
• Water conservation policy and planning
• Climate change impacts on water
• Water and public health

In addition to the informative sessions, Watercon 2019 also hosted an exhibition floor where companies could showcase new technologies and products for water management. There were opportunities for networking to foster new partnerships and Exchange ideas.

Highlights from the Conference

With over 150 sessions packed into 3 days, there were many memorable moments from Watercon 2019. Here are some of the key highlights from the event:

• The opening keynote address delivered by Rick Perry, the U.S. Secretary of Energy at the time. He discussed the water-energy nexus and highlighted projects by the Department of Energy to desalinate and treat water for reuse.
• A panel discussion on PFAS - an emerging class of toxic chemicals increasingly being found in water sources. Experts explored detection, treatment solutions, and health impacts.
• The debut of the Stormwater Summit, a new addition featuring sessions about innovative stormwater management approaches in cities.
• A workshop on nature-based solutions to address water challenges like using wetland restoration instead of hard infrastructure.
• Release of the WEF's State of the Water Industry Report, an annual benchmarking analysis full of key data points.
• Announcement of the winners of the WEF Innovation Pavilion startup competition, recognizing emerging technologies in the water space.

In addition to the scheduled programming, Watercon 2019 also featured several social events, tours, and workshops for attendees to network and enjoy San Diego.

Outcomes and Impact

The Watercon 2019 conference stimulated significant discussion around tactics for managing water sustainably now and into the future. It inspired both large strategic moves and small individual actions to value water.

Some of the key outcomes from Watercon 2019 included:

• Partnerships formed between cities to implement smart stormwater infrastructure and share best practices.
• Researchers identified knowledge gaps in areas like water reuse to focus on.
• Technologies were piloted and eventually deployed based on connections made at the conference.
• Investment deals were struck to scale water startups with promising solutions.
• Local communities enacted programs to conserve water based on models highlighted.
• Young people were motivated to pursue careers in the water industry after attending.

Watercon 2019 offered immense value by facilitating idea exchange and pushing the water sector forward. The conversations and connections made will ripple out in positive ways for years to come.

Looking Ahead to Future Watercons

After the success of the 2019 event, Watercon has continued to be held annually (except for 2020 due to COVID-19). Each year focuses on a different theme relevant to the latest in water management.

Watercon 2020 was held virtually, with the theme of "Resiliency in Uncertain Times." Watercon 2021 returned to an in-person event in Chicago under the banner of "Thriving Together." And most recently, Watercon 2022 happened in New Orleans with the theme "Rising to the Challenge."

The next edition, Watercon 2023, is slated for April 23-25 in Toronto, Canada. The announced theme is "Pathways to Progress," emphasizing climate resilience, equity, and innovation. Registration is currently open on the WEF website.

One constant throughout is the Watercon conference's commitment to bringing people together to invent and invigorate the future of water. As water issues become more pressing worldwide, Watercon continues to be a nexus for sharing ideas and pioneering solutions.

Key Takeaways

Here are some of the key takeaways about Watercon 2019:

• Watercon 2019 was a major 3-day conference focused on tackling global water challenges through collaboration and innovation.
• The event facilitated crucial dialogue and knowledge exchange between water experts across fields and industries.
• Major discussion topics included water reuse, infrastructure, conservation policy, climate impacts, and more.
• Outcomes from the conference included new partnerships, research focus areas, deployed technologies, and local programs.
• Watercon continues annually as a vital platform for the water sector to learn, connect, and drive progress.

Conferences like Watercon 2019 are pivotal for bringing awareness to water issues and catalyzing meaningful action to safeguard our water future.

FAQs

What is Watercon?

Watercon is an annual conference focused on addressing global water challenges and promoting sustainability. It brings together various stakeholders in the water sector to collaborate and exchange ideas.

When and where was Watercon 2019 held?

Watercon 2019 took place March 15-17, 2019 in San Diego, California. It was hosted by the Water Environment Federation.

What were some of the main discussion topics?

Key topics included water reuse, stormwater management, water infrastructure, conservation policy, climate change and water, public health, and emerging technologies.

Who were some of the speakers?

Notable speakers included Erin Brockovich, EPA administrator Andrew Wheeler, and Rick Perry, the U.S. Secretary of Energy at the time.

What were some key outcomes from Watercon 2019?

Outcomes included new partnerships, research initiatives, deployed technologies, local conservation programs, and increased awareness of water issues.