2026 National Capital Region
Water Resources Symposium

Submit Abstract

Smarter Waters: AI in Water Management

The 14th National Capital Region Water Resources Symposium will be held on April 10, 2026, at the University of the District of Columbia. This one-day symposium brings together experts from governmental agencies, academia, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities for sustainable management of water resources and infrastructure in the region, as well as nationally and internationally. The symposium’s program includes a plenary session (9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.), a luncheon keynote speaker (12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.), concurrent sessions for oral presentations (1:15 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.), poster presentations (9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.) and a networking reception (4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Abstract submission topics

Abstracts are solicited for oral (concurrent sessions) and poster presentations in all areas of water resources management and water/sewer/storm infrastructure including but not limited to:

  • Agricultural Water Management

  • Smart Technology Applications in Water Management (Artificial Intelligence, Data Science and Machine Learning, Robotics, Geospatial Technologies, Cybersecurity, Other)

  • Asset Management

  • Climate Change and Water Resources

  • Food, Energy, Water (FEW) Nexus & Urban Agriculture

  • Community Engagement

  • Funding

  • Innovations in Water Treatment Technologies

  • PFAS and Emerging Contaminants in Water

  • Social Justice and Equity in Water Management

  • Socio-economics, Workforce Development, and Water Policy

  • Uses of Alternative Water Sources (Rainwater/Stormwater, Grey Water, Saline Water in Urban & Agricultural Settings)

  • Watershed Science, Groundwater Studies, Water Ecosystems, Stormwater Management

Abstract submission guidelines:

  • Abstract title

  • Preferred mode of presentation (oral or poster)

  • Author and co-author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s)

  • E-mail address for corresponding author

  • Abstract (150-200 words)

  • Keywords (3-5)

Please submit your abstract (MSWord) via the form below.

Abstract submission deadline is December 15, 2025. Authors of abstracts accepted for presentation will be notified by January 15, 2026. The symposium’s full agenda and registration information will be posted on the AWRA-NCRS website.

Student Poster Competition: AWRA-NCRS will offer awards and certificates to the poster competition winners. To qualify, a student should be the poster’s first author and the poster presenter.

For more information, please contact Norelis Florentino, VP and Symposium Chair (email: nflorentino@dewberry.com)

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Registration for the symposium opens on Dec 1, 2025. The registration link will be provided in the Symposium page on this website.

  • The speakers will be notified before the last week of January 2026 about the status of your abstract submission. The symposium committee will also notify the expert panelists and keynote speakers around the same time.

  • The student posters are judged by a panel consisting of industry professionals and academics, if available. There are 3-4 members in the panel and scores are provided following a rubric based on the quality, technical knowledge and presentation .