The 2026 Alabama Water Resources Conference (ALWRC), held September 9-11 at the Perdido Beach Resort, once again reached full capacity, underscoring its reputation as one of the most impactful water resource forums in the Southeast.
This year, 350 attendees engaged in learning and networking opportunities offered by 115 presenters, 39 posters, and keynotes delivered by Alabama Department of Environmental Management Director Ed Poolos and Alabama State Climatologist Dr. Lee Ellenburg. Organized by the Auburn University Water Resources Center (AUWRC), in collaboration with the Alabama Section of the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) and a multi-agency planning committee, the conference continues to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and innovation in water research, policy, and management.
A statewide committee composed of water resources agency, industry and academic leaders accept and review 75-100+ abstracts and compile 2 days of concurrent sessions covering the following topical areas: Aquatic Ecology/Biology, Coastal Issues including an entire session on Weeks Bay, Drought and Climate Issues, Ecological Flows, Flood Issues, GIS and Water Management, Groundwater Availability and Management, Modeling in Water Management, Restoration and Remediation, Stormwater Management, Water Policy and Law, Water Quality, Water Quantity, Water Resources Education and Stewardship, Water and Wastewater Systems Management, Watershed Management and Connecting Agencies, Industries and Stakeholders.
Auburn University Water Resources Center staff pose at the 2026 ALWRC
Symposium: Water in Your Backhard
The conference opened with a symposium titled “Water In Your Backyard” hosted by the Alabama Section of the American Water Resources Association. The speakers included: Daniel Saint with the Tennesee Valley Authority, Portia Shepherd with Black Belt Women Rising, Lisa Harris with CPYR Watershed Management Autoirty, and Christian Miller with the Mobile National Estuary Program. Speakers also engaged in a panel discussion after their talks.
Conference Highlights
Following the annual Seafood Social, attendees participated in two days of concurrent sessions covering topics such as stormwater, restoration, water quality, drought and climate, coastal issues, aquatic ecology, water law and policy, GIS, and the social sciences. Lightning talks, poster sessions, and interactive panels encouraged dynamic exchanges between researchers, industry representatives, state and federal agency partners, and students.
Keynote addresses further anchored the program:
- Ed Poolos, Director of Alabama Department of Environmental Management
- Dr. Lee Ellenburg, Alabama State Climatologist and Associate Professor at University of Alabama in Huntsville
On Thursday afternoon, students participated in a student poster competition and put their science communication skills to the test. Photo Credit: Emily Branch, AUWRC
Student Engagement and Recognition
Student participation remained a cornerstone of the conference. On Thursday afternoon, 26 students showcased their work during the poster competition, while others presented oral and lightning talks. The event offered students valuable opportunities to hone their science communication skills.
Oral Presentations
- 1st Place – Cecelia Cotton & Stephanie Iris Graciano Pinto – Auburn University
- 2nd Place – Md Munjurul Haque – The University of Alabama
- 3rd Place – Aidan Bosman – Auburn University
Poster Presenters
- 1st Place – Abraham Alverez – Auburn University
- 2nd Place – Harley Tandy – The University of Alabama
- 3rd Place – Shristi Shrestha – Auburn University
Lightning Talks
- Winner – Rebecca Etter – Auburn University
Networking between speaker sessions. Photo Credit: Laura Cooley, AUWRC
Looking Ahead
The 2027 ALWRC will be held from September 8-10 at the Perdido Beach Resort. More information can be found at the Auburn University Water Resources Center webpage (www.aaes.auburn.edu/wrc/) and those interested can subscribe to the AUWRC newsletter for announcements.
The mission of the Auburn University Water Resources Center is to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among Auburn University faculty and staff on water-related research, outreach, and instruction; conduct innovative research to find practical solutions for current and future water issues and empower private citizens to become active stewards of water resources.
