Cities and municipalities are facing growing challenges in water and wastewater treatment. Stricter limits, new EU regulations, and rising investment requirements are coming up against limited resources. IFAT 2026 (May 4–7, 2026) will address these issues and focus on practical solutions for water management.
PFAS become the focus of water treatment
With binding PFAS limits in drinking water, pressure is growing on municipalities to implement suitable treatment and monitoring concepts. Technologies for PFAS analysis, separation, and destruction will be presented at IFAT in Munich. Expert panels and presentations will also shed light on how to deal with contaminated sites and the economic implementation of new requirements.
New EU requirements for wastewater treatment
Another focus is the amended Municipal Wastewater Directive (KARL). Among other things, it provides for the expansion of numerous wastewater treatment plants to include a fourth treatment stage. At IFAT, associations and exhibitors will discuss technical solutions, energy efficiency, and financing models for advanced wastewater treatment.
IFAT as a platform for municipal practice
With expert forums, solution tours, and special areas dedicated to water purification, IFAT Munich 2026 offers a central platform for municipal decision-makers and operators. The focus is on practical technologies that can be used to make drinking water and wastewater infrastructures future-proof and resilient.