National Conference Showcases Protecting and Conserving Water

Water utilities across the country face significant challenges, including unpredictable weather, shifting regulations, rising costs, and increasing water shortages. Meanwhile, communities are dealing with record heatwaves, destructive storms, and ongoing droughts. These challenges emphasize the need for effective conservation, innovative water management, and continuous collaboration to find lasting solutions.

Recognizing the evolving landscape and the importance of protecting and conserving our most valuable resource, experts in conservation, green infrastructure, water resources, and communications recently gathered in Reno, Nevada, at the WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Expo (WSI) . The event, initially founded by the Southern Nevada Water Authority and now hosted by the American Water Works Association, aims to provide insights into innovative technologies, strategies, and programs, while also exploring exciting new ways to engage customers and manage water resources.

As the largest urban water-efficiency conference of its kind, WSI offers a vital forum to discuss new technologies, innovative strategies, new programs and initiatives for protecting and conserving water. AMWUA and several member cities attended, with some serving as speakers, highlighting Arizona’s proven expertise and leadership in conservation efforts.

The two-day event featured sessions dedicated to sharing information and discussing the impact of conservation efforts and water management strategies across the country. The wide range of sessions covered various topics, including Hot Topics in Technology, Reimagining Water Use, Improving Utility Operations, Reinforcing Climate Resilience, and Water Conservation, Efficiency, and Education. It also addressed emerging trends in water demand, which now highlight the importance of data and analytics in decision-making. 

While it was clear that challenges in the water industry are increasing, the atmosphere centered on sharing innovative strategies, initiatives, and creative outreach ideas. The main takeaway was simple: working together with the common goal of building resilient water systems and communities is the most effective way to develop impactful conservation and demand management strategies.

Beyond the workshops, attendees explored the expo floor, gaining insights into the latest water-efficiency technologies and strategies being used across the country. For AMWUA, the expo was a prime opportunity to showcase our diverse resources and tools while highlighting the significant efforts currently underway in our member municipalities, which aim to help residents save water indoors and outdoors, thereby reinforcing the strong conservation ethic we've fostered here in the Valley.

Overall, WSI successfully inspired and informed participants about the crucial need for ongoing, national collaboration to advance water conservation. It also served as an invaluable platform for establishing productive connections with dedicated water experts from across the country.

Water conservation is not just an option—it is the cornerstone for the sustainable management of our most vital resource. By advocating for responsible water usage and implementing efficient practices, we can actively work toward addressing current water challenges and securing a more sustainable water future for generations to come.

For 56 years, the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association has worked to protect our member cities’ ability to provide their communities with assured, safe, and sustainable water supplies. For more water information, visit www.amwua.org.