USGS Water Observing Technology Forum

The Water Observing Technology Forum (WOTF) brings together innovators, researchers, and practitioners to explore cutting-edge solutions for water resource management. As water systems face increasing challenges, technology plays a critical role in enabling smarter, more efficient, and sustainable operations.

The 2026 forum will spotlight non-contact water monitoring technologies enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI). Non-contact approaches are reshaping how water data is collected, analyzed, and applied, and AI can further enhance those approaches. This year’s focus goes beyond software analytics to examine sensor technologies and hardware designs that embed AI into their operation, enabling real-time intelligence at the point of measurement.

From advanced remote sensing platforms to predictive, self-calibrating sensors, these innovations are driving operational improvements and empowering decision-makers with actionable insights.