AWWA ACE Water Exhibition 2026 Key Takeaways: Resiliency on Display

Research evidence excerpt

AWWA ACE Water Exhibition 2026 Key Takeaways: Resiliency on Display

Deutsche Bank

Research

North America Industry Date

Multi-Industry and Electrical Water Tech 24 June 2026 Equipment

AWWA ACE Water Exhibition 2026 Key

Andrew Krill, CFA Takeaways - Resiliency on Display

Research Analyst

+1-212-250-2997

DB’s View: Earlier this week, we attended AWWA’s annual ACE water exhibition

in Washington, DC and met with more than 10 companies including Buy-rated Nicole DeBlase

Xylem, Hold-rated Badger Meter, and Hold-rated Veralto. Other major companies Research Analyst

+1-212-250-5916 we spoke with included Neptune (Roper), Kamstrup, and Aclara (Hubbell). ACE is

one of the largest clean water-focused trade shows in North America, expecting

~11,000+ attendees (~flat vs. ~11,000+ in 2025) and ~450 exhibitors (~flat vs.

~450 in 2025). Based on our conversations and observations, attendance

appeared similar to slightly lighter Y/Y, though companies noted that commercial

activity was as expected. There was unanimous feedback that concerns over the

IIJA waning are overblown, and we were intrigued by a new dynamic where

hyperscalers are partnering with water utilities to inject new funds to ensure

water reliability and avoid rate hikes. There was also a bit more discussion on

PFAS that previously had been missing. Looking at the competitive backdrop,

Kamstrup remains a formidable threat and we picked up on two relatively new

players Next and Metron that are a point to monitor. Net-net, the resilient and

steady nature of water utilities was on display at the event, contrasting with

investor views that still seem a bit more skeptical.

Please see below for our key company-specific takeaways.

Aclara (Hubbell)

Hubbell had a medium to large booth at ACE and focused squarely on its Aclara