AI and Innovation at WEFTEC 2026: Shaping the Future of Water Utilities

In this episode Talking Under Water co-hosts discuss key takeaways from WEFTEC 2026, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence in the water sector, cybersecurity preparedness, utility financing, potable reuse, and the innovative technologies generating buzz on the show floor. Recorded live from WEFTEC, Mandy Crispin and Bob Crossen reflect on the conference theme of innovation and curiosity, highlighting an inspiring keynote presentation focused on reframing challenges and embracing new ways of thinking. Much of the conversation centers on artificial intelligence, which emerged as one of the dominant topics of the event. The hosts discuss practical AI use cases, workforce concerns, governance strategies, and the importance of keeping humans and subject matter experts at the center of decision-making. They also explore how AI is shaping conversations around data centers, water demand, and utility operations. Beyond AI, the episode covers lessons from sessions on utility bond ratings and financing, including strategies for maintaining strong financial health and accessing federal funding opportunities. Mandy shares updates from EPA sessions on cybersecurity, water workforce grants, and a new pilot initiative using AI-driven security testing. The hosts also spotlight emerging technologies, including a novel wastewater pump design and creative public outreach efforts supporting potable reuse projects. The episode concludes with a discussion on AI-generated public records requests and what they could mean for utilities moving forward. Show notes WEFTEC 2026 Show Coverage Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 00:45 – WEFTEC keynote highlights: innovation, curiosity, and rethinking workplace challenges 05:02 – AI takes center stage at WEFTEC: opportunities, risks, and utility adoption 09:46 – Data centers, water demand, and the need for transparency in AI infrastructure 15:01 – Utility financing lessons: bond ratings, rate strategies, and WIFIA funding opportunities 20:06 – EPA update: cybersecurity, workforce grants, and Project Watershed 250 24:49 – New technologies and innovations from the show floor, including pumps and potable reuse outreach 34:25 – Housekeeping   *About the Podcast*     Talking Under Water is the premier podcast for the water industry, including municipal water and wastewater, residential water treatment, storm water management and erosion control. It is produced in coordination between *Wastewater Digest* (*WWD*), *WaterWorld* and *Stormwater Solutions* (*SWS*). The podcast covers topics under the One Water movement including the municipal and industrial water and wastewater, residential, stormwater and erosion control markets. Talking Under Water highlights news, trends, new technologies, industry discussions and interviews with experts across the municipal water industry. New episodes of the podcast are released every other week. Logo Images: Anatoly Tiplyashin / Romolo Tavani / stock.adobe.com.     Contact the Talking Under Water podcast editors by emailing [talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com](mailto:talkingunderwater@endeavorb2b.com) engaging with them on X @TUWpodcast. Join the conversation by commenting or using the hashtag #talkingunderwaterpod on social media.