Hosted by Sciens Water in collaboration with Columbia University's Water Center, the 6th annual Rethinking Water Conference is the key water conference during New York climate week.
The aim: to bring together finance, academia, government, and industry leaders to find solutions to the most pressing water challenges in the United States.
From c-suite executives and environmental stewards to government organizations, industry leaders, and academic professionals, our conference is a hub of expertise and innovation. With a focus on aging infrastructure and evolving regulations, we will explore how funding can be effectively applied to achieve sustainable solutions. We'll discuss implementable strategies such as water recycling/reuse, consolidation, accelerating federal funding, leveraging private investment, and more. Engage in targeted breakouts, providing valuable opportunities to connect and share perspectives with fellow participants.
Don't miss this chance to be part of the solution to the U.S. water crisis. Join us at the Rethinking Water Conference 2025 and make a difference!
The aim: to bring together finance, academia, government, and industry leaders to find solutions to the most pressing water challenges in the United States.
From c-suite executives and environmental stewards to government organizations, industry leaders, and academic professionals, our conference is a hub of expertise and innovation. With a focus on aging infrastructure and evolving regulations, we will explore how funding can be effectively applied to achieve sustainable solutions. We'll discuss implementable strategies such as water recycling/reuse, consolidation, accelerating federal funding, leveraging private investment, and more. Engage in targeted breakouts, providing valuable opportunities to connect and share perspectives with fellow participants.
Don't miss this chance to be part of the solution to the U.S. water crisis. Join us at the Rethinking Water Conference 2025 and make a difference!
Location
The Forum, Columbia University
601 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
601 West 125th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA
Date & Time
September 25, 2025, 8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Hosts
AGENDA
9:00 AM
A WELCOME FROM COLUMBIA AND SCIENS WATER
Join us as Professor Lall, Columbia Engineering Vice Dean George Deodatis, and Alexander Loucopoulos introduce the exciting events prepared for the day!
9:30 AM
WATER: AN INVESTOR PERSPECTIVE
In this talk, we will delve into the key trends, challenges, and opportunities that have shaped the financial markets over the past year. Our expert speaker, a seasoned investor with years of experience navigating the complexities of the global economy, will provide an in-depth analysis of market performance, investment strategies, and the impact of macroeconomic factors.
Speaker: John Rigas
Speaker: John Rigas
10:05 AM
MORNING KEYNOTE: GLOBAL MACRO OVERVIEW
From climate shifts to geopolitical change, the global context for water is evolving rapidly. This panel examines the macro-level forces shaping water security and investment, highlighting risks and opportunities.
Moderated By: Henk Ovink; Panelists: Raha Hakimdavar, Paula Kehoe, Paul Westerhoff
Moderated By: Henk Ovink; Panelists: Raha Hakimdavar, Paula Kehoe, Paul Westerhoff
11:05 AM
RETHINKING PFAS
PFAS contamination remains one of water’s toughest challenges. This panel examines the latest science, regulatory developments, and innovative approaches to managing and removing these “forever chemicals.
Moderated By: Arick Wierson (Newsweek); Panelists: Commissioner LaTourette, Rachel Frazin, Michelle Bellanca
Moderated By: Arick Wierson (Newsweek); Panelists: Commissioner LaTourette, Rachel Frazin, Michelle Bellanca
1:00 pM
H2O LIST UPDATE
The first-ever Hydro20 honorees will be announced. Because the future of water depends on wavemakers.
1:30 PM
AFTERNOON KEYNOTE: RETHINKING PHILANTHROPY
Philanthropy is evolving to meet urgent water needs. This discussion explores new funding models, partnerships, and mission-driven investments, with lessons on targeting resources for the greatest impact.
Moderated By: Alex Loucopoulos; Panelists: George Mcgraw, Kelly Parsons, Matt Fitzgerald
Moderated By: Alex Loucopoulos; Panelists: George Mcgraw, Kelly Parsons, Matt Fitzgerald
2:00 PM
NEW AMERICAN UNIVERSITY – SOLVING WATER
Rethinking Academia: In the context of global changes, ASU is building a world class program focused on interdisciplinary action for a sustainable future.
Speaker: Peter Schlosser
Speaker: Peter Schlosser
2:50 PM
SUCCESS STORIES IN WATER
From advanced metering technologies and sustainable financing models to global water services and infrastructure partnerships, these success stories demonstrate how vision, execution, and collaboration can reshape the future of water.
Moderated By: Damian Georgino; Panelists: Ken Bockhorst, Henry Charrabe, John Veech, Shadi Bakour
Moderated By: Damian Georgino; Panelists: Ken Bockhorst, Henry Charrabe, John Veech, Shadi Bakour
3:40 PM
RETHINKING WATER RESILIENCY
Extreme weather events are testing the resilience of water systems nationwide. This panel brings together leaders from utilities, government, and emergency management to discuss strategies for strengthening infrastructure, protecting communities, and ensuring reliable water service.
Moderated By: Josiah Cox; Panelists: Commissioner Skrmetta, Commissioner Pridemore, Nerissa Moray, Rob Powelson
Moderated By: Josiah Cox; Panelists: Commissioner Skrmetta, Commissioner Pridemore, Nerissa Moray, Rob Powelson
4:40 PM
CLOSING KEYNOTE: RETHINKING THE GOVERNMENT'S ROLE IN WATER
A high-level dialogue with leaders shaping water’s future. Panelists reflect on the day’s key issues and share their vision for uniting collaboration, technology, and policy.
Moderated By: Mae Stevens; Panelists: Sarah Kapnick, Felicia Marcus, [TDB]
Moderated By: Mae Stevens; Panelists: Sarah Kapnick, Felicia Marcus, [TDB]
ESTEEMED SPEAKERS
Professor Henk Ovink
Executive Director, Global Commission on the Economics of Water
Dr. Upmanu Lall
Director, Arizona State University Water Institute
Kelly Parsons
CEO, WaterAid
John Rigas
CEO, Sciens Water
Raha Hakimdavar
Space & Environment Strategist, Professor, Georgetown University
Michelle Bellanca
CEO, Claros Technologies Inc.
George Deodatis
Vice Dean for Research, School of Engineering, Columbia University
Chelsie Carter
Director Customer Experience, CSWR
Nerissa Moray
CFO, NYC Department of Environmental Protection
Sarah Kapnick
Global Head of Climate Advisory, JP Morgan
Paula Kehoe
Director of Water Resources, County of San Francisco
Paul Westerhoff
Regents Professor, Arizona State University
Shawn LaTourette
Commissioner, New Jersey
Matt Fitzgerald
Co-Founder, TeamWater
Tricia Pridemore
Commissioner, Georgia Public Service Commission
Kartik Chandran
Professor, Columbia University
Rachel Frazin
Energy and Environment Reporter, The Hill & Co-Author of Poisoning the Well
Josiah Cox
CEO, CSWR
Cheryl Waites
Chief of Staff, CSWR
Arick Wierson
Columnist at Newsweek, 6X Emmy Award-Winner
Mae Stevens
CEO, American Business Water Coalition
Damian Georgino
Partner, Dentons
Bo Burch
Founder & CEO, Human Capital Solutions
Felicia Marcus
Founding Member, Water Policy Group
Alexander Loucopoulos
Partner, Sciens Water; Board Member, WaterAid
Travis Loop
Host of the Water Loop Podcast
Ngai Yin Yip
Associate Professor, Columbia Engineering
Tricia Jamison
Cloud Solutions Architect, Google
Rich Razgaitis
Co-Owner & CEO, FloWater
George McGraw
Founder & CEO, DIGDEEP
Eddie Ocampo
Director of Public Affairs, Self-Help Enterprises
Henry Charrabe
CEO, Seven Seas Water
Casey Brown
Professor, Columbia University
Michael Puma
Professor, Columbia University
John Veech
CEO, Sustainability Partners
Milin Patel
Water Sommelier, Water Consultant
Antoine Walter
Host of the "Don't Waste Water" Podcast
Ladona Clayton
Executive Director, Ogallala Land & Conservancy
Derek Bleyle
VP of Products, Clear Object
Dan Yingst
CEO, Clear Object
Ken Bockhorst
CEO, Badger Meter
Michael Mascha
CEO, FineWaters
Shadi Bakour
Co-Founder & CEO, Path Water
Eric Skrmetta
Louisiana Public Service Commissioner
Peter Schlosser
Professor & Director, Arizona State University
Rob Powelson
President & CEO, National Association of Water Companies
Ann Hayden
Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund
Scott Bryan
President, Imagine H2O
Michael Masters
Senior VP, Clear Object
Tom Rooney
Operating Partner, Sciens Water
Sciens Water has Joined #TeamWater!
#TeamWater is a global movement to bring clean water to 2 million people. Throughout August, creators like MrBeast and Mark Rober are joining forces with WaterAid to raise $40 million — changing lives for generations.
We're proud to share that Alexander Loucopoulos, Partner at Sciens Water, is now serving on the Board of Directors at WaterAid — just in time for WaterAid’s most ambitious campaign yet.
We believe creativity and purpose go hand in hand. Let’s make waves together.
We're proud to share that Alexander Loucopoulos, Partner at Sciens Water, is now serving on the Board of Directors at WaterAid — just in time for WaterAid’s most ambitious campaign yet.
We believe creativity and purpose go hand in hand. Let’s make waves together.
A LOOKBACK AT 2024
The 2024 iteration of the Rethinking Water Conference brought together more than 500 participants both in-person and virtually to discuss key challenges and opportunities for collaboration in the water space. We're building on those conversations to further solutions in 2025, and looking to make the water crisis as solvable as a Rubik's cube.
Join the conversation and be part of the solution.
Join the conversation and be part of the solution.