Water Environment Federation Launches Fifth Intelligent Water Systems Challenge

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) announces the Intelligent Water Systems Challenge is set to once again challenge participants to use innovation and data to help solve some of the most difficult issues faced by the water industry.

The goal is to demonstrate the value of intelligent water systems to utilities and foster the adoption of smart water technologies, as well as give students, professionals, and technology experts the opportunity to highlight their talents and innovation with a focus on leveraging data to help utilities make better decisions.

The 2023 Intelligent Water Systems Challenge, launched on January 23, will run until October 2, 2023. Scenarios will focus on collection systems, wastewater treatment systems, drinking water treatment systems, source water/watershed, and distribution networks. Teams with innovative solutions will be invited to present their results in person at WEFTEC 2023 in Chicago for final judging. The winning team will receive a minimum cash award of $10,000. In addition, Xylem will be awarding $2,500 for the “Most Elegant Solution.”

The Challenge is hosted by Leaders Innovation Forum for Technology (LIFT) and is a joint effort by WEF and The Water Research Foundation. It is also supported by BlueTech Research, Cleveland Water Alliance, International Society of Automation Water and Wastewater Industries Division, Smart Water Networks Forum, The IEEE Smart Cities TAC, and The Water Council.

“As we encourage creativity to advance innovation in the water and wastewater systems sector, we are also looking for ways to integrate practical applications,” said Walter Marlowe, WEF Executive Director. “The Intelligent Water Systems Challenge continues to demonstrate the value of ingenuity that fosters the adoption of smart water technologies across the sector.”

For more information or to register for the challenge, visit

www.wef.org/IWS-challenge