Transforming Water, West 

After six years, the Rethinking Water series has evolved into Transforming Water, signaling that the time is ripe to move towards action, from "rethinking" to transforming our water systems!

Presented by the  ASU Water Institute  in partnership with Columbia University and Sciens Water, this conference brings together leading scholars, industry practitioners, policymakers, and technology innovators to examine the scientific, regulatory, financial, and infrastructural dimensions of water resilience in the region.

Held annually in Tempe, the conference provides a structured forum for rigorous panel discussions featuring nationally recognized experts, alongside a curated Plug & Play showcase and exhibition highlighting emerging research, applied technologies, and startup-led innovation. These sessions are designed to facilitate exchange across sectors and promote collaboration between academic institutions, public agencies, utilities, investors, and private industry.

This year's Transforming Water, West concludes at the Arizona Water Innovation Exhibit, which is currently housed in the Innovation Gallery of the ASU School of Human Evolution and Social Change. The exhibit highlights Arizona’s water history, from Indigenous stewardship and early irrigation to modern infrastructure and governance.