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 ResourcesMuscatine Water & Resource Recovery Facility Turns Food Waste into a Community Resource
The Muscatine Water & Resource Recovery Facility in Iowa is advancing food waste management through its Muscatine Organics Recycling Center (MORC). As one of only three municipally-owned facilities of its kind, MORC has established Muscatine as a regional hub for organics recycling.
MORC’s ability to separate food waste from packaging materials has transformed the way organic waste is processed. The facility uses a T-42 Turbo Separator to strip packaging from organic waste, which is then blended and fed into anaerobic digesters to produce biogas. This allows the processing of packaged foods that would otherwise be landfilled because the labor costs of separating food from its packaging are cost prohibitive.
Since opening in 2020, MORC has diverted over 24,000 tons of waste from landfills, processing 30–40 tons of organic waste five days a week. The facility serves local residents, grocery stores and food manufacturers, including major companies like Kraft Heinz and Nestlé Purina. By providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly solution, MORC has tripled organic waste collection for local grocery stores while reducing their trash expenses.
The facility is funded by tipping fees and is expected to be self-sustaining by 2030 through the sale of biogas. The City’s long-term vision includes producing renewable electricity within a microgrid to supply heat and power for the Water Resource Recovery Facility, further reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
MORC’s success has garnered national attention, with visitors from cities like Minneapolis and Dallas seeking to replicate its model. The facility’s innovative approach and commitment to efficient processing reflect the City’s visionary leadership and dedication to environmental sustainability. As a result, Muscatine has become a leader in organics recycling, paving the way for other communities to follow suit.
By providing a viable alternative to landfilling organic waste, MORC is changing attitudes and practices in the water sector. Its impact extends beyond environmental benefits, supporting local businesses and contributing to a more sustainable future.
NACWA awarded the Muscatine Water & Resource Recovery Facility a 2026 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Research & Technology category for its innovative approach to food waste recycling. 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.