About
Managing Instability: The Essential Role of Local Leadership
NACWA’s 2026 Winter
Conference will explore how utilities are taking the lead in providing steady leadership and staying
ahead of the curve during this unprecedented time of federal
uncertainty and transformative technological and ecological change.
Public clean water utilities
have long been in partnership with state and federal regulators in ensuring
public health, public safety, and environmental stewardship for their
communities. However, as we embark into a more uncertain future with challenges
obtaining federal funding, a lack of federal action
on climate, increased workforce pressures,
and the abundance of AI and technological advances, public clean water utilities are increasingly called to navigate and lead. Local leadership by our public clean water utilities
has led to innovative and significant advancements in water quality and
environmental protections supporting public
health and economic growth, and it’s more
important than ever for local utility leaders to step up to continue this
work.
Don’t miss this chance to
learn from your fellow local leaders across the country and be part of critical
conversations about the future of clean water!
Schedule at a Glance
Why Attend?
- Engage with fellow clean water leaders, regulators, and stakeholders as you exchange ideas, share solutions, and build lasting professional connections.
- Explore relevant topics essential to guiding your agency through future challenges and opportunities— presented by experts in the sector.
- Receive high-value information and resources in legislative, regulatory, and legal advocacy and analysis.
- Discover innovative programs and best practices, as we recognize and honor the accomplishments of NACWA’s 2026 National Environmental Achievement Award awardees.
- Experience the unparalleled strength, unity, and support of a nationwide network, comprised of member agencies of all sizes and service regions.
Registration Information
You may register for the 2026 Winter Conference in two easy ways:
- Online: Complete the online registration to register at your convenience
- Mail/Email: Download and complete the registration form and send it with payment to NACWA
Once registered, please expect to receive confirmation via email. Registrations received after Friday, January 16, 2026, will be accepted but may not appear on the Participant List. If you have not received confirmation within 5 business days after registering, please contact NACWA.
Full Conference registration fees include access to all sessions Monday - Thursday and an evening reception on Monday - Wednesday. Registered attendees will also receive access to all available session handouts, speaker biographies, as well as a participant list. The Conference meals included are: coffee services Monday afternoon through Thursday morning; and light food and beverages at the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evening reception.
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Use #NACWAWinter26 to keep track of event chatter!
2026 All-Conference Sponsors
