Register Now
Date:
March 9- 10, 2026
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Overview:
The chemistry and environmental behavior of PFAS, combined with recent and proposed regulatory actions and toxicological uncertainties, create significant challenges for groundwater management and protection. This National Ground Water Association (NGWA) conference provides a forum to share best science and state-of-the-practice approaches to address PFAS contamination while maintaining groundwater’s essential roles for drinking water, agriculture, environmental, and other purposes. The conference provides an opportunity to share lessons learned in addressing this high-profile and rapidly evolving issue.
View the conference schedule.
Optional Field Trip on March 11, 2026: Tours of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Field Research Park and the SAWS H2Oaks Center. Learn more at the tab below.
Keynote Address:
Richard Mest is a longtime water quality industry leader and nationally recognized authority on water treatment, policy, and innovation. He serves as Strategic Affairs Officer for the Water Quality Association, providing leadership across business development, government affairs, and technical initiatives during a period of significant regulatory and industry change.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Mest has advanced water treatment technologies and advocacy efforts at both state and national levels. His contributions have earned the industry’s highest honors, including WQA’s Lifetime Membership Award and induction into the WQA Hall of Fame. He previously served as president of WQA and the Water Quality Research Foundation.
Mest built Master Water Conditioning into an industry leader after joining the company in 1978 and later served as Director of Special Programs at A.O. Smith following its acquisition in 2021. He has also served as president of the Water Systems Council and is a respected voice in regulatory and legislative discussions. A frequent speaker, mentor, and author, Mest brings deep experience and practical insight to the evolving challenges of PFAS and water quality in an age of uncertainty.
Fees & Registration
On/before February 6, 2026
- NGWA member — $545
- NGWA early career member — $345
- Government employee (ID required)* — $545
- Nonmember — $695
- Full-time student (ID required) — $150
Starting February 7, 2026
- NGWA member — $645
- NGWA early career Member — $445
- Government employee (ID required)* — $645
- Nonmember — $795
- Full-time student (ID required) — $200
Optional March 11 field trip
- $130 — includes the bus transportation, lunch, and snacks
- Attendance is limited to 25 participants.
Please note: Accepted paper/poster/panel presenters will receive 25% off their registration fee; a discount code will be included in the abstract acceptance notification.
*Those registering as a government employee must do so by phone, fax, or mail; online registration cannot be accepted.
Team discounts up to 10% available. Click here for more details.
PFAS Conference Field Trip
Wednesday, March 11th 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (tentative)
Cost: $130 includes charter bus transportation and lunch
CEUs: 6-8 hours (depending on final times of tours)
Edwards Aquifer Authority Field Research Park
The Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) is a groundwater conservation district, charged with managing, enhancing, and protecting the Edwards Aquifer. Through the generosity of the City of San Antonio and their Edwards Aquifer Protection Program, the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (EAC), acting on behalf of the EAA took ownership of 151-acres of land in November of 2019. The land is located adjacent to Cibolo Creek on the Recharge Zone of the Edwards Aquifer in northeast Bexar County, Texas. Now known as the Field Research Park or FRP, it is a hub for research focusing on hydrologic restoration as it relates to groundwater and surface water. At the FRP the EAA is demonstrating and quantitatively evaluating various land management practices and their potential effects on groundwater and watershed sustainability.
San Antonio Water System H2Oaks Center
The SAWS H2Oaks Center, located in southern Bexar County, is a pioneering water production facility that integrates three major water supply projects:
- Brackish Groundwater Desalination
- Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
- Local Carrizo Aquifer Project
- These projects collectively contribute to SAWS’ diversified water supply strategy, enhancing long-term water security and drought resilience. The H2Oaks Center manages a suite of integrated water operations that support these projects.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Venue & Accommodations
Hilton Palacio del Rio
200 South Alamo Street
San Antonio, TX 78205
P: 210-222-1400
Accommodations: NGWA has secured a limited block of rooms on a first come, first served basis at the group rate of $289 per night, plus any applicable taxes and fees. This rate applies to the NGWA room block and is valid until the February 13, 2026 cutoff date, unless our room block has been filled before that date. Click here to make your hotel room reservation online.