January 21, 2026

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Water connects every part of our economy—powering industries, protecting communities, and sustaining life itself. Yet as costs rise, infrastructure ages, industry expands, and climate risks intensify, the true value of water is being tested. Utilities are being asked to solve for a fundamentally new challenge: how to deliver resilient and affordable services in an era defined by extremes. Across the sector, new research is shedding light on the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of what it will take. This includes funding, smarter strategies, modern tools, and sound policy to ensure investments deliver for people, resilience, and long-term prosperity.

Held on January 21, 2026, this webinar includes insights from Water Environment Federation’s valuation of the circular water economy, and Xylem’s work on climate resilience, investment strategy, and AI. The discussion also includes updates on the Value of Water Campaign’s investment and economy findings, and together, tells a powerful story about why this moment matters for water, and how our leaders can respond.

The discussion connects the dots between the economic, environmental, and equity imperatives facing the sector and highlights how water leaders can use this research to build the case for sustained investment—especially as Congress considers reauthorization of the State Revolving Funds (SRFs) and other critical federal commitments.

Moderator:

Emily Simonson, Senior Director, Water Leadership and Innovation, US Water Alliance

Speakers:

Fidan Karimova, Senior Director, Circular Water Economy, Water Environment Federation

Josh Mahan, Senior Director of Government and Industry Relations, Xylem