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 ResourcesMount Pleasant Waterworks Finds New Purpose for Historic Water Infrastructure
Mount Pleasant Waterworks (MPW) in South Carolina provides water and wastewater service to over 90,000 people in the Town of Mount Pleasant. Rooted in history, the coastal town of Mount Pleasant is located east of the Charleston Peninsula, and has ties to the maritime industry, the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and African American settlement communities. In 1934, MPW constructed an elevated water tank in the Old Village neighborhood to improve water system pressure and enhance the quality of life. For almost 90 years the 100,000-gallon tank stood approximately 140 feet tall and served as critical infrastructure for the growing town of Mount Pleasant.
As Mount Pleasant’s population grew and water demand increased, the Old Village water tank was decommissioned in the mid-1990s to make way for larger capacity ground storage tanks. Instead of removing what many residents viewed as a historic structure, MPW found a new purpose for the tank by contracting with cellular service providers to use the tank as a location for their antennas. However, in 2018 a structural analysis report revealed significant structural concerns highlighting the potential for failure during a high wind event.
Acknowledging the emotional ties the community had to the Old Village water tank, MPW explored opportunities to preserve the memory of the tank while advancing its mission of protecting the environment and water resources. Another consideration in the removal of the tank was finding a cost-effective solution to meet MPW’s mission. Fortunately, the answer came by way of an innovative partnership with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR).
In September 2021, the Mount Pleasant Old Village Water Tank Artificial Reef was completed. The reef consists of a 250-foot retired barge, 12 shipping container boxes, and the Old Village water tank. The items were welded together to include cave-like passages and other unique spaces to benefit a variety of marine life and enrich the diving experience. Additionally, a life-sized concrete replica of a great white shark was constructed to provide an additional point of interest for divers. The reef was submerged in 60 feet of water approximately 10 miles offshore where it is easily accessible to the public. Soon, MPW plans to host a community fishing tournament at the artificial reef site. The tournament will be promoted in the community and serve as an opportunity to teach the importance of protecting the environment and natural resources as well as the value of clean water.
NACWA awarded the Mount Pleasant Waterworks a 2022 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Operations & Environmental Performance category for its creative repurposing of a beloved, historic water infrastructure. 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.