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 ResourcesThe City of Richmond Harnesses the Power of Social Media to Engage the Public
On November 12, 2020, the City of Richmond’s floodwall was partially closed to protect low-lying areas within city limits from high waters flowing downstream in the James River, which cuts through downtown Richmond, Virginia. The City’s Collection Systems & Regulatory Affairs Division created an engaging and informative social media campaign spanning Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to educate Richmond residents about the floodwall’s closure and provide an in-depth background on its history and purpose.
The multi-platform campaign thoroughly explained the value of the extensive infrastructure that Richmonders often consider unsightly. While local media outlets usually reported solely on closure locations and the rising levels of the James River, the Collection Systems & Regulatory Affairs Division provided a more comprehensive explanation on the importance of the floodwall’s closure – to protect the people, homes, businesses, and infrastructure behind it.
The campaign yielded several media mentions for the Division, in addition to increased followers and an abundance of engagement on Richmond’s RVAH2O social media platforms. More importantly, the effort helped to educate citizens and further their understanding and appreciation for the floodwall. By showcasing Richmond’s past efforts in flood planning and mitigating its impacts, citizens are better informed, more engaged, and increasingly supportive of the work the Collection Systems & Regulatory Affairs Division continues to do.
By influencing the narrative of the floodwall closure, RVAH2O was able to shape the story and establish the Collections Systems & Regulatory Affairs Division as the authority for communications on the subject. Rather than issuing a blanket statement, this effort tailored the messaging for each social media platform and allowed for direct interaction with the public through likes, comments, shares, and questions in real time. Though structured and timed campaigns and collateral are essential in outreach and communications efforts, the Collections Systems & Regulatory Affairs Division found that seizing the moment with impromptu messaging and engagement can also benefit an agency.
NACWA awarded the City of Richmond Department of Public Utilities a 2022 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Public Information & Education, E-Media category for its impactful campaign. 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.