Who We Are
For 50 years, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) has been the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy on the full spectrum of clean water issues, as well as a top technical resource for water management, sustainability and ecosystem protection interests.
NACWA represents public wastewater and stormwater agencies of all sizes nationwide. The Association's unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all member utilities, and ensures they have the tools necessary to provide affordable and sustainable clean water for all.
Our vision is to represent every utility as a NACWA member, helping build a strong and sustainable clean water future.
What We Offer
Community
Our ever-growing member community is our greatest strength, with member utilities of every size--small, medium and large--and affiliates from every region of the US. The Association's multiple venues for in-person & digital peer-to-peer networking, high-impact events & work groups/committees, national awards programs, dedicated staff and more allow members to choose their level of engagement, and help take their organizations to the next level.For more information visit Member Benefits
Advocacy
As the nation’s recognized leader in legislative, regulatory and legal advocacy, we are the clean water sector's collective voice to EPA, Congress and government agencies nationwide. With open communication and a collaborative environment, ensure that NACWA's representation is inclusive and pragmatic as well as potent and forward-looking.
For more information visit Advocacy & AnalysisResources
Our wide array of publications provide practical, usable information for clean water utilities and affiliates to innovate and improve their operations, while maintaining affordability for all the communities they serve. Our regular advocacy alerts, legislative and regulatory news & updates, legal references, white papers and more ensure that clean water utilities and affiliates have the cutting knowledge base to make big decisions and plan for a clean water future.
For more information visit ResourcesDetroit Takes a Greener Approach to Stormwater
The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) is rethinking how the city manages stormwater. Through its Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) program, DWSD is using nature-based solutions to reduce pressure on its combined sewer system while improving neighborhoods and helping keep water and drainage rates affordable.
Much of this work is focused on the Upper Rouge Tributary Area. When heavy rain sends too much runoff into Detroit’s combined sewer system, it can contribute to combined sewer overflows, basement backups and street flooding. GSI projects capture, slow and absorb stormwater before it reaches the system. That capacity is increasingly valuable as Detroit and the Great Lakes region experience more intense rainfall.
The Far West Detroit Stormwater Improvement Project, now under construction, is one example of DWSD’s approach. By managing runoff closer to where it falls, projects like this can help reduce flooding risks and the volume of stormwater the sewer system must handle. They can also bring visible improvements to the neighborhoods where they are built.
DWSD’s strategy has a financial benefit, too. Reducing stormwater flows into the combined sewer system can lessen the need for costly traditional infrastructure, such as new tunnels and treatment facilities. DWSD reports that it has exceeded the $50 million expenditure requirement in its NPDES permit and is now directing investment toward larger neighborhood projects designed to deliver cost-effective results. This work also aligns with the Great Lakes Water Authority’s Wastewater Master Plan.
The department is extending its efforts beyond public projects. Detroit’s amended Post-Construction Stormwater Management Ordinance requires new developments to manage runoff, while DWSD’s Drainage Charge Credit System offers private property owners an incentive to install GSI. Planned projects in Brightmoor and on the east side, along with coordination with the City’s Demolition Program to reduce impervious surfaces, are part of a broader effort to manage stormwater across the city.
DWSD’s work shows how utilities can address several community needs through one coordinated strategy. By investing in green infrastructure, Detroit is working to reduce overflows and flooding, strengthen neighborhood resilience and manage long-term costs for the people it serves.
NACWA awarded the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department a 2026 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Community Leadership category for its impactful program. Congratulations to everyone involved!Board Of Directors
NACWA's Board of Directors embodies the clean water sector's most accomplished leadership, informed by decades of collective experience and expertise in water utility operation and management. The Board leads NACWA's governance, allowing it to serve its members with focus and integrity.
Staff Directory
The Association is its people. And NACWA's dedicated staff defines the organization's commitment to passionate advocacy, forward thinking leadership and ethical service to members and the clean water community as a whole. They're dedicated and energetic. They're also a lot of fun. Give us a ring...
Member Agencies & Affiliates
The strength of NACWA is its member agencies and affiliates, from publicly-owned wastewater treatment agencies to corporate affiliates from throughout the clean water management chain. Our unique and growing network strengthens the advocacy voice for all members, ensuring they have the tools and expertise necessary to help shape the clean water landscape both locally and nationally.
Committees
NACWA’s committee structure invites Association members to work collectively to shape national clean water policy. NACWA’s committees not only help develop the Association's positions on policy and legislation, they help build and foster NACWA's peer-to-peer networking strength, while achieving key initiatives that benefit all members.
Awards
Each year, NACWA recognizes the outstanding commitment, innovation and achievements of individuals and agencies through our national awards programs. From contributions to environmental protection, to diligence in compliance, to even intangible positive impact. NACWA is honored to highlight service excellence within the clean water sector.
Join NACWA
Engage and collaborate with member utilities of all sizes—small, medium and large—with affiliates/stakeholders from all regions of the country. Membership is not only a path to improving operations or enhancing professional development, it’s a unique opportunity to join the strongest unified voice for shared clean water interests nationwide.