2026 Water Summit Agenda

Waller Foyer

In Texas, the most important decisions happen on the front porch. Join us as we open the 2026 NAWC Water Summit with a “no fences” look at the road ahead.

Robert Powelson, President & CEO, National Association of Water Companies

Pull up a chair and grab your phone. It’s time to check your perceptions of water affordability with that of customers. We will have a data-driven dialogue that ensures the “equation” we solve is the one our customers actually care about.

Discussion leader: Candid Counsel

Now that we know what people think, let’s engage in a fast-paced strategy session to map out what are the starring roles to moving the affordability conversation to understanding.

Move past the balance sheets and join us to explore the cost of uncertainty in the water industry. How does shifting regulations, PFAS and infrastructure gaps create a “risk premium” that eventually hits the kitchen table.

Join us as we celebrate the dedicated professionals, innovative thinkers, inspiring leaders and engaged environmentalists who are NAWC. The Living Water Award honors the contributions of these exceptional individuals who display commitment to company, colleagues, community and the environment.

Waller Foyer

Room 403 & 404 – Level 4

Kick off your morning with a little Texas sunshine and a lot of professional power. Before the Summit sessions get into full swing, join us for a breakfast dedicated to the women who keep the industry flowing from the High Plains to the Gulf Coast and everywhere in between. What started at NAWC with five women has grown to more than 100 strong, providing opportunities for mentorship, support and friendship.

Pull up a chair and get settled for Day 2 with true Lone Star welcome as we set the stage, connecting the pioneering spirit of water industry to achieve safety, reliability and affordability.

Pat Kerr, President & CEO, Baton Rouge Water Company and NAWC Board Chair

Explore how the industry is leveraging the “Digital Frontier” to drive down the ongoing expense of operation and protect the customer’s pocketbook. From energy optimization to AI-driven measures, we’re pulling back the curtain on the high-tech tools that can keep systems running lean.

What happens when the digital boom meets the Texas Aquifer. Mosey on in for a closer look at the inverse relationship between energy efficiency and water use in the new PUCT data center survey.

Waller Foyer- Level 3

The most expensive repair is the one you didn’t see coming. In an era of shifting regulations and growth, a reactive mindset does not work. This session explores how forward-looking asset management keeps the affordability equation in check.

Moontower Hall- Level 2

Join us for remarks about a vision for the future both from the viewpoint of a regulator and NAWC.

As we embrace our increasingly digital world, we are also expanding the digital target on our backs. In this high-speed session, we’re putting experts in the hot seat to tackle the ultimate balancing act: tech trailblazers and security sheriffs at the same time.

Waller Foyer- Level 3

Water scarcity isn’t a future threat – it’s a current reality. This panel will explore how regulated, private water companies are leading the way with infrastructure projects to reduce lost water and innovative reuse.

Round ‘em up partner for the premier panel that brings together leading regulators from across the U.S. to weigh the heavy trade-offs required to keep the essential promise of safety and reliability while protecting the customer’s pocketbook.

Moontower Hall-Level 2