Wastewater Sector Honors Innovation, Signals Talent Pipeline Focus

Event summary

  • Informa Markets' WWETT Show recognized 31 individuals with 'Women of Wastewater' and 'Young Professionals' awards on January 20, 2026.
  • The awards highlight contributions to wastewater expertise, leadership, innovation, and community impact.
  • Joanne Carroll (Subtegic Group Inc.) and Anant Kapur (NICO Nanobubble India Co.) were among the recipients.
  • The awards ceremony will be held on February 18, 2026, at the WWETT Show in Indianapolis.

The big picture

The wastewater sector faces increasing pressure to modernize infrastructure and address growing environmental concerns. These awards highlight a deliberate effort to cultivate the next generation of leaders and recognize female contributions, which is crucial given the aging workforce and the complexity of emerging technologies. The WWETT Show itself serves as a key indicator of industry investment and adoption rates, given its comprehensive scope and global reach.

What we're watching

Talent Pipeline
The emphasis on 'Young Professionals' suggests a growing concern within the wastewater sector regarding workforce development and succession planning, potentially impacting future project delivery and innovation.
Regional Focus
The geographic distribution of awardees and WWETT Show attendees will reveal the regional hotspots for wastewater innovation and investment, informing where infrastructure upgrades are most likely to occur.
Technology Adoption
The types of innovations highlighted by the 'Young Professionals' awards will indicate the direction of technological advancement in wastewater treatment and transport, and the pace at which smaller operators will adopt these solutions.