Plan your visit at ACE 2026
Join us for a series of insightful in-booth and conference presentations, where Xylem will showcase the latest innovations and solutions in water management. Browse our schedule below to plan your visit and make the most of your time at the event. Immerse yourself in innovation and connect with our experts.
Xylem ACE 2026 schedule
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10:30 to 10:50 a.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: MEASURE |
From Data Overload to Decisive Action: How Utilities Are Using AI to Strengthen Water System Resilience Ian Duff Water utilities face growing pressure from aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and increasing weather volatility, while managing more data than ever before. This presentation highlights how utilities are using Xylem InsightAI to turn operational data into actionable insights that help frontline teams detect risks earlier, prioritize limited resources, and improve system resilience. Drawing on real‑world utility experiences, the session demonstrates how AI supports everyday utility heroes by enabling faster, more confident decisions without adding operational complexity. |
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11:00 to 11:20 a.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: MAINTAIN |
From Inspection Data to Asset Decisions: Digital Pipeline Reporting with PipeView Kate Zhao Pipeline inspections generate large volumes of valuable data, but many utilities still rely on static reports that make it difficult to fully leverage this information for long-term asset management. Turning inspection results into clear, accessible insights is critical for prioritizing maintenance, rehabilitation, and capital planning. This presentation highlights how Xylem’s PipeView digital reporting platform helps utilities bridge the gap between inspection data and asset management decisions. Attendees will see how digital reporting supports more informed asset management by improving visibility into pipeline condition, accelerating decision-making, and enabling utilities to better prioritize rehabilitation and replacement investments. |
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11:30 to 11:50 p.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: MEASURE |
Modern Metering for Proactive Network Operations: Turning Residential Meters into Early‑Warning Assets Gabor Bulecza As utilities face increasing weather extremes and aging distribution systems, early visibility into network conditions is critical to preventing service disruptions. This presentation highlights how utilities are using the Xylem ally® water meter to capture pressure and temperature data that provides alerts to changing conditions, helping operators act before pipes freeze or burst. The session also showcases the industry’s only three‑state remotely operated ball valve, enabling utilities to deliver full, restricted, or closed flow. This combination of advanced data and leading control supports faster response, operational flexibility, and safer field operations. Real‑world utility examples demonstrate how advanced metering capabilities empower utility teams to protect infrastructure and customers more proactively. |
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1:30 to 1:50 p.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: OPTIMIZE |
Unifying Real-Time Data to Optimize Network Operations: How the City of Pflugerville, Texas is Leveraging a Digital Twin Michelle Camp The City of Pflugerville, Texas operated its water distribution system “blind” with no insight into system behavior downstream of key operating elements, resulting in reactive operations & maintenance. By integrating its hydraulic model with GIS and real-time operational data, Pflugerville is leveraging a Digital Twin to shift to a holistic, proactive water management approach. |
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2:00 to 2:45 p.m. In-booth presentation ENTERPRISE |
Watering the New Economy Radhika Fox, Doa Ross (Southern Nevada Water Authority) Water underpins virtually every sector of the modern economy - yet it is often undervalued, underpriced, and underinvested. This session will highlight key findings from the Global Water Intelligence and Xylem report Watering the New Economy, exploring how water resources are foundational to the fast-growing digital, advanced manufacturing, and AI-enabled economy reshaping global growth. Two water utility leaders will share how their agencies are positioning water as strategic infrastructure — making the case for sustained capital investment, navigating workforce challenges, modernizing aging infrastructure, and positioning their systems as essential engines of economic growth in the communities they serve. |
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3:30 to 5:00 p.m. Xylem sponsored session |
When Data Moves Faster Than Crews: How Utilities Turn Insight into Action at the Moment It Matters Seth Cutler, Ashan McNealy, Fabio Capillo (City of Houston); Mike Rowe (Loudon Water) Water utilities aren’t short on data – but turning it into timely, confident action when conditions are changing fast remains a challenge. With aging infrastructure, workforce constraints, and more frequent high‑impact events, the priority is clear: deliver the right insight to the right people at the exact moment decisions must be made. |
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4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Conference presentation |
A Leak Aligned with Wire Breaks - History Nearly Repeated Itself - A Data-Driven CA of Baltimore’s 42-Inch Fullerton PCCP Water Main Vennila Durai A 2023 PCCP failure in Baltimore's 42-Inch Fullerton PCCP Water Transmission Main triggered a forensic and electromagnetic investigation that uncovered wire breaks, leaks, and corrosive soil conditions—mirroring the original failure. |
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8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Conference presentation |
Building Resilient Communities: Lessons in Pipeline Management from the Baltimore-Washington, D.C corridor Moderator: Logan Fesenmair Utilities across the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area will share how they are tackling aging pipelines in one of the nation’s most complex and visible regions. Panelists will highlight strategies to build alignment, secure funding, and sustain proactive pipeline management, offering lessons with national relevance. |
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9:00 to 9:30 a.m. Conference presentation |
Digital Transformation for Water Loss Reduction Joliet’s Journey Toward Smart Metering, Leak Detection, and Workforce Optimization Chris Duckworth |
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9:15 to 9:45 a.m. Conference presentation |
Segmentation Strategy (and Microsegmentation) Kenneth Crowther Overview of Zero Trust principles and relevance to OT/ICS environments. |
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10:30 to 10:50 a.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: TREAT |
Tackling PFAS: Scalable, Resilient Treatment Solutions for Complex Needs Lewis Veith, Geoff Pellechia Drinking water regulations for PFAS are driving municipalities to act. At the same time, the PFAS treatment landscape continues to evolve, and it’s clear there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Differences in system size, available footprint, water quality, and the broad range of PFAS species and concentrations require flexible and tailored treatment solutions. Xylem’s portfolio addresses these complexities, offering configurable and scalable treatment options designed to meet the unique needs of each community. Xylem continues to build on this foundation, investing in innovation and strategic partnerships to advance the next generation of PFAS treatment technologies. This technical session will guide attendees through the evolving challenges of PFAS treatment, highlight the best available technologies for various scenarios, review real-world Xylem customer successes, and provide a glimpse of ongoing development efforts. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how to navigate today’s PFAS requirements and prepare for what’s coming next. |
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11:00 to 11:20 a.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: MEASURE |
Reliable Chlorine Monitoring in Distribution Systems John Welsh Maintaining an accurate and stable chlorine residual throughout the drinking water distribution system is essential for protecting public health and meeting regulatory requirements. This presentation highlights how the City of College Place, Washington implemented continuous free chlorine monitoring across multiple groundwater wells and a central water tower to ensure residuals are consistently maintained within target ranges. Real-time data allows operators to proactively adjust chemical dosing, detect drift or anomalies, and maintain confidence in daily chlorine reporting. Attendees will gain practical insights into implementing reliable chlorine monitoring strategies in remote locations that support consistent residual chlorine control and long-term system reliability. |
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11:30 to 11:50 a.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: MEASURE |
Built to Adapt: Accurate Metering for Evolving Commercial and Industrial Water Use Bill Whittom As commercial and industrial water use patterns evolve, utilities need metering solutions that deliver accuracy across a wide operating range while supporting long‑term infrastructure strategies. This presentation highlights how the Xylem Cordonel® water meter captures the lowest flows to protect revenue and system insight, while maintaining reliable performance as demand profiles change over time. Real‑world utility examples demonstrate how Cordonel’s adaptability and durability help utilities confidently manage aging infrastructure, shifting consumption behaviors, and regulatory expectations without operational disruptions. |
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1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Xylem sponsored ESG session |
Sustainability, Delivered: Utility‑Led Solutions for Water, Energy, and Workforce Resilience Emma Miller, Lindsay Birt, Allison Swisher (City of Joliet, IL) Water utilities are being asked to deliver more than ever—protect water quality, control energy and operating costs, comply with evolving regulations, and build a capable workforce—often with constrained resources and aging systems. Sustainability initiatives are increasingly essential to meeting these demands, yet many utilities still struggle to translate sustainability objectives into practical actions that drive business-value. |
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1:30 to 3:00 p.m. Poster session |
Beyond the Snapshot: Using Predictive Analytics to Extend the Service Life of Prestressed Concrete Cylinder Pipe Mohina Sharma Facilitated by Xylem, this 90-minute interactive session highlights the utility “water heroes” who are translating sustainability ambitions into practical actions that deliver business value. A moderated panel will feature three utility-led case studies focused on water stewardship, energy efficiency and decarbonization, and workforce capacity building. Panelists will discuss the challenges that prompted action, the barriers encountered, and the measurable outcomes achieved—such as reduced energy use and water loss, lower operating costs, improved compliance, and stronger workforce readiness. |
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1:45 to 2:15 p.m. Conference presentation |
G100 - Water Treament Plant Operation and Management Panel Discussion Jonathan Keck Participants will take part in facilitated breakouts aligned to the three focus areas to exchange lessons learned, identify remaining needs (regulation, funding, technology, and capacity), and explore how utilities, solution providers, and partners can collaborate more effectively to accelerate sustainable outcomes. |
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2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Conference presentation |
Adaptive Digital Twins for Energy Optimization: A Practical Path to Sustainability with Measurable Returns at SNWA Vito Gironda Southern Nevada Water Authority, in collaboration with Xylem, is leveraging adaptive digital twins to optimize energy use across its water transmission system. By using existing SCADA data to assess pump efficiency and optimize scheduling, SNWA achieved measurable energy savings. The initiative is evolving toward system-wide optimization, integrating real-time hydraulic modeling and dynamic energy tariffs to minimize costs and consumption. This scalable approach offers a practical, replicable path for utilities to enhance sustainability and resilience through digital transformation. |
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3:00 to 3:20 p.m. In-booth presentation CYBER |
Secure-by-Default Is Here: Modernize Without Disrupting Operations Dr. Kenneth Crowther, Dr. Matthew Rogers (CISA), Andrew Krapf (Loudoun County) Secure-by-default water and wastewater technology is here—expect tighter logins, controlled updates, and fewer exposed functions to change how your equipment starts up, is accessed, and is maintained. Join this session to see what’s driving these product shifts and how they will impact legacy integration, commissioning, change control, and day-to-day operations. Learn practical, immediately usable steps from governmental, utility and manufacturing perspectives to modernize without losing reliability, safety, or operator control—built for real-world staffing constraints and the need for stability. Leave with a repeatable method to apply CISA’s Secure-by-Design pledge and Secure-by-Demand guidance to select partners, set requirements, and turn compliance pressure into measurable operational advantages. |
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3:30 to 3:50 p.m. In-booth presentation Pillar: OPTIMZE |
Leveraging Real-Time Flood Data to Optimize Network Operations and Emergency Response: How the City of Houston, Texas is Launching its New Flood Watch Program Michelle Camp, Osama Sarfaraz, Fabio Capillo (City of Houston) The City of Houston, Texas launched its new Flood Watch Program in early 2025 and aims to share the challenges spurring the iconic program, the end-to-end technology solution Houston is currently deploying citywide, lessons learned along the way, and the City’s vision for leveraging its innovative investment. Houston faces more frequent and more extreme weather events as well as flat, flood-prone geography. These challenges combined with limited visibility and availability of real-time data have led to a more reactive (versus proactive) approach to network operations and emergency response. Houston chose to invest in a comprehensive technology solution that enables the City to monitor rising flood waters in real-time and notify emergency and field personnel to proactively initiate public safety measures such as road barriers at flooded roadways. This case study presentation will explore Houston’s project objective and scope, field and data observations, and initial conclusions. |
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4:00 to 4:30 pm Conference presentation |
Still Leaking After All These Years: Insights from Two Decades of Transmission Pipeline Inspection Eric Toffin Proactive leak detection and condition assessment are vital for managing large-diameter water transmission pipelines, which are key to reducing non-revenue water and improving system resilience. Leaks often go undetected for years, especially in buried or remote infrastructure, and can escalate into catastrophic failures. Over the past 20 years, inline acoustic technologies have transformed pipeline monitoring, enabling precise leak detection. This paper shares global insights from two decades of inspections, highlighting leak prevalence, material-specific trends, and the evolving role of advanced sensor technologies in long-term transmission pipeline asset management. |
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9:30 to 10:00 a.m. Conference presentation |
Reimagining Water Management: Generative AI as a Strategic Utility Asset Austin Alexander, Greg Goodwin (Bluefield Research) This session is designed for utility leaders and operators looking to understand how Generative AI can drive real, measurable improvements in water utility performance. Based on a joint white paper by Bluefield Research and Xylem, the presentation showcases practical GenAI applications in infrastructure planning, operations, customer service, and sustainability. Speakers will connect these examples to the Effective Utility Management (EUM) framework and share actionable insights on responsible deployment, governance, and future opportunities. Learn how utilities are using GenAI to reduce costs, improve reliability, and build resilience without needing to become tech companies. |
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1:45 to 2:15 p.m. Conference presentation |
Live Force Main Inspection Without Shutdowns: Ultrasonic Innovation in Action Eric Toffin Wastewater force mains are notoriously difficult to inspect due to pressurized flow, limited redundancy, and restricted access. This presentation highlights the first field deployment of a free-swimming, high-resolution ultrasonic inspection tool in a live wastewater system. Conducted in a Massachusetts city, the beta test in a 24 inch ductile iron pipe demonstrated successful data collection without shutdowns. Key findings include how wastewater conditions affect data quality and how reporting methods were adapted to reflect localized wall loss, debris and other pipeline conditions. The session will share lessons learned and considerations for utilities planning condition assessments to identify critical defects and prioritize maintenance. |
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1:45 to 2:15 p.m. Conference presentation |
The Chesapeake Region Model: Proactive PCCP Management at Every Scale Bri Nakamura What if your utility could prevent the next prestressed concrete cylinder pipe (PCCP) failure, and save millions in avoided costs? The Chesapeake region has become a leader in proactive PCCP management, where utilities of different sizes and resources have taken unique approaches to preventing catastrophic failures. From the “perfect marriage” of electromagnetic (EM) inspections and acoustic fiber optic (AFO) monitoring to disciplined inspection schedules and mapping unknowns, these programs extend asset life and protect communities. With more than 94 failures averted and $100M saved in just one program, the data is clear: proactive PCCP management pays off. |
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4:00 to 4:30 p.m. Conference presentation |
Advancing Pipeline Resilience Through Continuous Monitoring and Targeted Interventions Mohina Sharma In August 2023, a prestressed concrete cylinder pipe on the City of Baltimore’s Fullerton Transmission Main failed. Forensic investigation identified a leak as the likely cause, introducing corrosion to the prestressing wires and eventually leading to metal loss and failure. In 2025, acoustic and electromagnetic inspections revealed an additional pipe at risk, one with the same defect as the previous failure, prompting further analysis. The City of Baltimore’s proactive response highlights the value of targeted inspections and agile planning in safeguarding critical water systems. |