The February PNWS-AWWA Section E-newsletter

February 2026 E-Newsletter

Issue #183

2026 Section Conference

Registration Is Open!

Registration is open for our 2026 Section Conference in Tacoma, WA, May 6-8.

Quick Conference Updates:

We have moved the vendor show from the 5th floor to the 3rd floor to get vendors closer to our conference attendees. We will have space for only 13 more vendor booths.
Don't miss the Wednesday night opening reception and competitions located on the 5th floor!
Friday you will want to attend our annual Awards Luncheon where we honor the associations best volunteers!
And.....please join us Friday as we close the conference and toast our new incoming Section Chair Jolene Gibson!

NEW This Year -

Session self scanning. You will be responsible for scanning yourself in and out of sessions this year. Look for the scanner kiosk in each session room.
Washington State has implemented a new tax on training. Conference attendees who are coming for CEUs/PDH/s will be charged a 10.3% tax on your registration regardless of the state you reside in. Vendors or guests attending the conference are exempt from this tax.
Fresh Ideas Poster Contest is returning. Open to students and Young Professionals this is your opportunity to showcase your innovative ideas. Posters will be judged Wednesday evening during the competition night. The winner of the contest will win a free trip to ACE26 to compete nationally! Reach out to James Tran with questions.

Conference Information and Registration Links >

E-newsletter Sponsors

Virtual Section Board of Trustees Meeting

February 17 on Zoom

The virtual Winter Section Board of Trustees Meeting is scheduled for 10am on February 17.

Contact the Section Office if you would like to either attend or speak at this virtual meeting. Agenda is available online.

Contact the Section Office >

2026 Section Conference In Tacoma

Changes in Session Scanning for CEU/PDHs

New - self scanning for technical sessions in Tacoma!

Take ownership of your CEU/PDH scanning at the upcoming Section Conference in Tacoma, May 6-8.

Each technical session room will have a unmanned kiosk in the corner. If you are needing CEU/PDH's for the session you will be responsible for scanning yourself in and out of each session.

As always, once each session begins, you will have a 5 minute window on scanning in and out for each session as required by both Oregon and Washington regulatory agencies. If you arrive late or leave early from the session (outside of the 5 minute window) you will not be awarded credit for the session.

Wine for Water 2026

March 14 in Woodinville

Registration is now open for this years Wine For Water in Woodinville, WA.

The event will be taking place at Two Vintners and tickets are just $80 per person or $150 for two. Tickets include dinner and two drinks.

Don't miss this opportunity to taste award-winning wines, mingle with friends and colleagues, and enjoy dinner, all while supporting the Pacific Northwest Section's philanthropic efforts.

Sponsorships are available.

Apply for a PNWS Scholarship

To Attend a College or University

Last year our Section awarded over $60,000 in scholarships to 12 students who were attending a college or university for careers in the water industry.

Students in relevant degree programs, including PNWS members and their families are encouraged to apply. Relevant fields of study include engineering, water resources, water or environmental technology, public administration, and environmental health. Scholarships are available for students second year of community college work or equivalent, entering their junior or senior years of undergraduate work, or engaging in graduate work leading to a degree in a relevant field or advancement in the waterworks industry.

Applications will be accepted through March 13. Recipients will be notified prior to our Section Conference.

Click Here to View the Scholarship Application

Attend the Section Meet and Greet

At ACE26 in Washington DC

Join your fellow Section members as we kick off our ACE26 experience Sunday, June 21 from 5-8pm at Smoke and Mirrors inside the ACE Hotel Washington DC.

We've bought out the entire facility which includes a deck overlooking the Capital Mall. This will be the perfect place to connect with your fellow section members before beginning your convention experience!

Click Here To Register

ACE26 Registration is Now Open

AWWA’s Annual Conference and Exposition is one of the largest gatherings of water community professionals worldwide. ACE features an exhibit hall, dozens of educational sessions, annual competitions, networking, and much more. Attendees will discover the latest strategies, technologies, and tools to address prominent challenges water systems face everywhere.

Join your fellow water professionals in Washington DC, June 21-24 at the Washington Convention Center.

Click Here To Register

Nominate a Young Professional for the Pioneer Award

We are looking for nominations for exceptional Young Professionals for this years Pioneer Award which will be presented at our Awards Luncheon at the Section Conference in Tacoma on May 8.

The Pioneer Award is presented annually to the young professional exemplifying the most outstanding leadership, technical expertise and dedication to community service. Young professionals are individuals with less than 10 years experience in the industry.

The deadline for nominations is March 6.

Nominate a Young Professional

Call for Entries - Excellence in Engineering Awards

February 20th Deadline

Ready to showcase your best water work? The PNWS Engineering Committee is now accepting entries for the 2026 Excellence in Engineering Awards, celebrating standout projects in water.

Who should apply:

Utilities, agencies, consultants, contractors, and project teams with recently completed water projects serving Idaho, Oregon, or Washington.

Why apply? Gain regional recognition for your team's accomplishments!

Categories include Large Project (greater than $8 million), Small Project (less than $8 million), and Planning Project.

Submit Your Project Here