ARCSA International’s 2026 Annual Conference brought the rainwater harvesting and water reuse community together Sept. 16–17 at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City, California, for two days of education, collaboration and discussion about the future of the industry.
This year’s program reflected both the growing opportunities and evolving challenges facing the water sector. Several sessions focused on the increasing water demands associated with data centers and the role rainwater and stormwater harvesting can play in supporting more resilient water supply strategies.
Workforce development was another important focus. Presentations highlighted training opportunities, career pathways and efforts to prepare the next generation of professionals to design, install and maintain rainwater harvesting and decentralized water systems.
Attendees also heard firsthand examples of how these systems are being applied in communities and projects across a wide range of settings. Sessions explored off-grid rainwater harvesting in remote villages, water storage solutions supporting commercial growth, industrial operations and fire protection, and the Cascade Water Cycling framework integrating rainwater harvesting, stormwater capture, reuse and water efficiency.
Wildfire resilience was also an important part of the program. Presenters shared examples of rainwater storage and decentralized systems being used to support fire protection, along with lessons from wildfire mitigation projects and post-fire recovery efforts.
The conference also included updates on legislation, codes and standards, along with technical discussions covering stormwater catchment and water treatment. Kevin Kahlden of VIQUA presented “Know Before You Flow: The Basics of UV Water Treatment,” providing practical insight into microbial threats and ultraviolet disinfection.
Together, these conversations demonstrated the increasingly important role that rainwater harvesting, stormwater capture and water reuse can play in addressing water supply, resilience and infrastructure challenges. We thank everyone who attended, presented, sponsored and contributed to another successful ARCSA Annual Conference.
As ARCSA looks ahead, we are also pleased to welcome four new members to our Board of Directors: William Venable of Plumbers Local 68, Steve Fernlund of the City of Saint Paul, Todd Lolla of Uncle Tilo’s Clean Water LLC, and Chad Vincenzi of Blue Mountain Co.
Each brings valuable industry experience and perspective to ARCSA as we continue expanding our programs, education, advocacy and industry impact. We look forward to their contributions and leadership and encourage the ARCSA community to join us in welcoming William, Steve, Todd and Chad to the Board.
Looking ahead to 2027, be sure to save the date for the ARCSA International Technical Symposium, taking place May 18–19, 2027, at Grundfos Headquarters in Brookshire, Texas. Following the success of the inaugural symposium, ARCSA looks forward to bringing the industry together again for advanced technical education, collaboration and discussion focused on the future of rainwater harvesting and water reuse.
Last modified: November 13, 2026