water environment federation water environment federation the water environment federation (wef) is a not-for-profit technical and educational organization of more than 34,000 individual members and 75 member associations (mas) representing water quality professionals around the world. wef, which was formerly known as the federation of sewage works associations and later as the water pollution control federation, and its members have protected public health and the environment since 1928. as a global water sector leader, the organization's mission is to connect water professionals; enrich the expertise of water professionals; increase the awareness of the impact and value of water; and provide a platform for water sector innovation. wef members include experts and specialists in the fields of: environmental engineering industrial wastewater treatment sewage treatment and sewage sludge treatment stormwater management water quality analysis and planning and related disciplines. wef is headquartered in alexandria, virginia, united states. publications and conferences in addition to books, technical reports, and conferences proceedings, wef publishes the peer-reviewed journal, water environment research, and the magazine, water environment technology. wef sponsors local and national speciality meetings, as well as the world's largest annual water conference: weftec - water environment federation technical exposition and conference. awards to recognize individuals and groups in a number of areas, wef sponsors awards in the categories of: published papers; operational and design excellence; education; individual service and contribution; fellows; organization and association recognition; national municipal stormwater and green infrastructure, as well as committee chair service appreciation.