Ukrainian Water Utilities Join WEFTEC 2025 as Part of Pioneering Capacity-Building Exchange Program

This month, representatives of four Ukrainian water utilities—Mykolaiv, Lviv, Chernivtsi, and Vinnytsia—are participating in WEFTEC 2025 in Chicago as part of the Exchange for Ukraine (X4U) Program, a first-of-its-kind international peer-learning initiative between American and Ukrainian water utilities.

The trip is organized and facilitated by the Mykolaiv Water Hub in collaboration with Leading Utilities of the World and the Water Environment Federation (USA). The X4U Program aims to foster strategic cooperation, peer-to-peer learning, and long-term partnerships between Ukrainian and American water utilities during Ukraine’s already ongoing reconstruction.

Why Now?

Ukraine’s water infrastructure has suffered catastrophic damage since February 2022. With over one-third of the country's freshwater storage destroyed and sectoral damages estimated at nearly $11 billion, the urgent need goes beyond physical reconstruction—it requires knowledge, expertise, and trusted international networks.

The X4U Program addresses this need through a mix of online workshops, in-person visits, and long-term partnership building. Participants explore critical topics such as asset management, regulatory frameworks, community engagement, private-sector cooperation, and strategic infrastructure planning.

Spotlight on WEFTEC

WEFTEC, North America's largest water quality event hosted by the Water Environment Federation, offers a powerful platform for Ukrainian delegates to meet with U.S. utilities, engineers, regulators, and technology innovators. The delegation includes not only utility directors and municipal officials, but also young professionals and women leaders - emphasizing the program’s commitment to inclusivity and institutional memory.

“We are so happy to welcome our first delegation from Ukraine to WEFTEC 2025,” said Ralph Exton, Executive Director, Water Environment Federation. “Our vision is a life free of water challenges, and the invasion of Ukraine has caused many water challenges. We’re looking forward to connecting the WEF community with the Mykolaiv Water Hub and leading Ukrainian water utilities as they continue to tackle problems head on and find solutions. WEFTEC is more than a conference: it’s a platform for water communities to connect, share critical content, and build resilient futures together.”

Following their participation in WEFTEC, the delegation will travel to Las Vegas for site visits and bilateral meetings with the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD) - the first American utility to sign a formal Memorandum of Cooperation with a Ukrainian counterpart (Mykolaivvodokanal) in December 2024.

Voices from the Program

“This is not just a study tour. It’s about shaping the future of Ukraine’s water sector with the help of our American peers,” said Hanna Montavon, CEO of the Mykolaiv Water Hub.

About the X4U Program

Launched in October 2024, the Exchange for Ukraine Program includes eight online workshops one delegation visit. It supports not only utilities but also municipalities, NGOs, and local universities, aiming to build a resilient, future-oriented Ukrainian water sector through international collaboration and knowledge transfer. The program will continue through the end of 2025, and the next phase is already being discussed with the collaborating partners.

About the Water Environment Federation

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF's mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental well-being. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America, attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. 

About Leading Utilities of the World

Leading Utilities of the World is a network of the world’s most forward-thinking water and wastewater utilities, as defined by the network’s 14 distinct innovation areas. Its members represent the gold standard of utility innovation and performance throughout the developed world’s water sector. Leading Utilities is an initiative of the Global Water Leaders Group, a not-for-profit organization helping to tell a better story for water worldwide by recognizing achievement, providing a network for sharing ideas, and inspiring others to improve. Primarily a CEO-level organization, it is funded by its Foundation Partner Jacobs and Corporate Member Grundfos, and collaborates with Association Partner the Water Environment Federation. There are no membership fees for its utilities, which meet three times a year at major water conferences around the world. www.leadingutilities.org More information:

Explore the Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Hanna Montavon
CEO & Founder, Mykolaiv Water Hub | hm@mykolaivwaterhub.com

 

Alyson Moses, WEF Managing Director, Marketing and Communications, (954) 562-7023 | amoses@wef.org