Circular Water Economy
Leading the way for public and private sectors to optimize and recover valuable resources from water and wastewater in ways that fight climate change, support equitable economic development, and ensure water services for all.
In today's world, where managing resources sustainably is essential, the concept of the Circular Water Economy (CWE) offers a practical and efficient solution. CWE focuses on recycling and reclaiming resources in our water systems, aiming to provide maximum benefits for communities, the environment, and businesses.
This approach is not just about being resourceful; it's a critical step in combating climate change, promoting fair economic opportunities, and ensuring reliable water services for everyone.
'Circular Water Economy' Defined
What Is A 'Circular Water Economy'?
A circular water economy recycles and recovers resources within the water use and treatment cycle to maximize value for people, nature, and businesses.
The circular water economy exists when the public and private sectors optimize and recover valuable resources from water and wastewater in ways that fight climate change, support equitable economic development, and ensure water services for all. Circular water economy practices keep products and materials in use, regenerate natural systems, and design out waste and pollution. This model helps build a just and sustainable society and ensures it for the future.
WEF CWE Task Force
A CWE approach requires expanding the traditional scope of projects and planning to capture the needs and input of stakeholders from throughout the water sector and beyond.
In 2023, WEF assembled a 24-person Circular Water Economy task force that defined the WEF meaning of CWE and established a framework for WEF to lead the implementation of circular economy in the water sector. The aim is to continue and evolve established programs as well as initiate new programs that will advance CWE principals.
| Co-Chair: Erika Bailey, Raleigh Water | Co-Chair: Mark Jockers, Clean Water Services |
| Morgan Brown, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | Olaf van der Kolk, Aqua Minerals |
| Qingshi Tu, University of British Columbia | Ifetayo Venner, Arcadis |
| Vanessa Borkowski, Stantec | Dana Gonzalez, Hampton Roads Sanitation District |
| Katy Lackey, PolicyLink | Allen Townsend, World Wildlife Fund |
| Paul Kadota, Metro Vancouver | Megan Schneider, Accenture |
| Aimeé Killeen, Providence | Heather Jennings, Bio Hume Netics Inc. |
| Sarah Guzman, Black and Veatch | Debora Coy, XPV Water Partners |
| Kevin Shafer, Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District | Haley Falconer, City of Boise, Idaho |
| Matt Magruder Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District | Samantha Villegas, Raftelis |
| Jonathan Liberzon, Tomorrow Water | Kurt Carson, Grand Junction |
| Corey Williams, Smartcover Systems | |
Circular Water Economy Summit 2024
Join us July 15-17 in Dallas to continue the transformation to the circular water economy. Attend to hear solutions to industrial water challenges, explore the opportunities for developing circular water systems, and learn to commercialize the products that result from it.
Attend the SummitCircular Water Economy News
The latest biosolids articles, videos, and other content from throughout the organization and across the water sector.
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