Editor’s Takeaways: AWWA ACE21

Lauren Del Ciello & Cristina Tuser

June 14 to 17, 2021, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) hosted its Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE21) virtually. This year’s virtual event provided up to 80 hours of professional programming, including educational sessions, networking events, solution provider resources and more. The WQP editorial team sat in on several sessions and provided thoughts below.

WQP Managing Editor’s Takeaways

This year’s all-virtual version of AWWA ACE21 found new ways to connect with water industry professionals from behind their computer screens. In addition to educational tracks and sponsor messages, the show sought ways to bring professionals together across the miles, including networking breaks with pre-set topics, yoga breaks, daily water trivia challenges and even a “vote for your favorite sponsor commercial” section. In between sessions, attendees could relax by tuning into a puppy, gorilla, big cat or panda cam even.

WQP Associate Editor Takeaways

Wildfires & Water Quality

“Wildfire Impacts on Water Quality and Distribution” premiered on June 15.

This session focused on detailing the impacts of wildfires on water resources and treatment, with speakers: Levi Haupert, physical scientist for the U.S. EPA; Yvonne Heaney, water resources control engineer for the California State Water Resources Control Board; and Monica Emelko, professor at the University of Waterloo department of civil & environmental engineering.

The session also emphasized sampling methods to assess contamination after wildfire events, contamination types, and planning and preparedness strategies for wildland urban interfaces (WUI).

Microplastics 

Though microplastics are everywhere and particularly in our drinking water, there is still no precise definition agreed on for the word. The "Microplastics: Charting a Path" session, which premiered June 16, explores this theme, detailing key issues of microplastics in water supplies and the water treatment processes that may remove them.

Other components of this presentation led by Brent Alspach, director of applied research for Arcadis, are the toxicity of microplastics and some of the ongoing treatment needs.

Final Thoughts

The WQP team thanks AWWA ACE21 for hosting an enjoyable virtual show. The increased focus on water quality, sustainability and innovation likely echoes trends seen throughout the water industry. What will 2022 bring? See you in San Antonio, Texas, June 12 to 15, 2022, for AWWA ACE22!