Water Industry Leaders Turn Toward Reuse at the 2025 WateReuse Symposium
The 2025 WateReuse Symposium brought together over 1,000 water industry professionals from across the nation and around the world this week in Tampa, FL. The gathering marked the 40th anniversary of the WateReuse Symposium, which first convened in San Diego, CA, in 1985. Today water reuse drives prosperity, sustainability, and public health for communities worldwide, and the Symposium focused on the next forty years of innovation.
Industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators convened at the Symposium to share insights on advancing technology, improving operational efficiency, shaping effective policy, and enhancing public communication around water reuse. “Water is too precious to use just once,” said Bart Weiss, WateReuse Association President and Chief Officer for Innovation and Resiliency at Hillsborough County Public Utilities in Florida. “It’s an honor to host the leaders of our global movement here in Tampa, and together we will turn the tide toward water reuse.”
State Water Leaders Welcome Symposium in Florida
The conference’s opening ceremony featured an address by The Honorable Jane Castor, Mayor of Tampa. Mayor Castor underscored the growing importance of water recycling as a response to the state’s increasing population. “1,000 people move to Florida every day,” she noted, emphasizing the urgent need to invest in sustainable water solutions to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population.
Following Mayor Castor, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson highlighted the role of strategic investments in the state’s water resources. Commissioner Simpson stressed water’s importance to Florida’s economy and environment, particularly considering the state’s expanding population and agriculture needs. Weiss presented Commissioner Simpson with the WateReuse Association President’s Award for his leadership in championing the state’s new potable water reuse regulatory framework.
Insights from Industry Experts
An opening panel of water industry experts explored the evolving landscape of water reuse and the strategies necessary to build public trust in recycled water. The panel included Shannon McCarthy, Executive Director-Secretary General of the International Desalination and Reuse Association; Jason Morrison, President of the Pacific Institute; Adrian Sym, CEO of Alliance for Water Stewardship; and Scott Shawyer, President and Skipper of Canada Ocean Racing.
The discussion centered on how both public utilities and private industries can collaborate to enhance water recycling efforts, create sustainable water supplies, and build public confidence in the benefits of water reuse technologies.
Technology Showcase Highlights Innovations in Water Reuse
The conference concluded on March 19 with the Second Annual Technology Showcase, spotlighting innovations that will drive the future of water reuse. In partnership with the National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI) and Amazon Web Services, the showcase featured 13 new technologies designed to enhance water treatment and filtration.
The technologies presented at the showcase promise to enhance water quality, increase operational efficiency, and expand the scalability of water recycling systems across diverse regions.
