Annual gathering of 2,000+ water professionals to focus on clean water access and the future of America’s water systems

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 11, 2025

WHAT/WHO
The 43rd annual WaterPro Conference, hosted by the National Rural Water Association (NRWA), will be held September 15–17, 2025, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. 

Billed as the “Water and Wastewater Industry Event of the Year,” WaterPro will welcome more than 2,000 attendees and 120 exhibitors from across the United States and Puerto Rico. The conference brings together operators, board members, government officials, and State Rural Water Association staff for three days of education, networking, and innovation.

This year’s program will feature 70+ educational sessions on topics such as PFAS treatment, LCRI compliance, microplastics, communications, board leadership, and more. Attendees will also hear from high-profile speakers including Mayor Glenn Jacobs of Knox County, Tennessee; Karl Elmshaeuser, Administrator for USDA’s Rural Utilities Service; and EPA water leaders Peggy Browne, Jennifer McLain, and Andrew Sawyers, Ph.D. 

Special sessions include the sixth annual Women in Rural Water Luncheon featuring Vallie Collins, survivor of the “Miracle on the Hudson,” who will share her powerful story of resilience and inspiration.

NRWA will also announce the success of its nationwide Rural Water Strong campaign, which generated 8,900+ pledges from all 50 states and Puerto Rico and helped preserve the future of USDA Rural Development Water and Environmental Programs. In addition, the 2025 State Rural Water Association Awards of Excellence will be presented, recognizing outstanding contributions in training, technical assistance, legislative initiatives, and more.

While the majority of the conference is reserved for industry professionals, limited single-day registrations ($225) are available onsite. Events of public interest include:

  • Exhibit Hall Extravaganza & WaterPro Feud Game Show – Sept. 15, 4–6 p.m.
  • Ultimate Meter Challenge Finals – Sept. 16, 10:45 a.m

WHEN
September 15-17, 2025

WHERE
New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70130

SOCIAL MEDIA/WEBSITE
Website: WaterProConference.org
Facebook:  National Rural Water Association (NRWA)
X: @NRWA 
LinkedIn: National Rural Water Association 
Instagram: @nationalruralwaterassociation

CONTACTS
Credentialed media welcome. The opening session and Tuesday/Wednesday general sessions are closed to press.