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 Great Lakes Water Authority Engages Its Community and Key Stakeholders With Informative Video
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) adopted a first-of-its kind regional Wastewater Master Plan (WWMP) to proactively and adaptively manage the wastewater system that serves 2.8 million people and spans 15,000 miles of pipes across 79 communities in southeast Michigan.
The 40-year plan, unlike any other in the nation, is the result of unprecedented regional collaboration among 100 stakeholders, including GLWA’s member partners, watershed advocacy groups, regulatory agencies, and more. The WWMP gives the region a roadmap for the future and a plan that builds on the work already done – with a focus on water quality and a path that manages affordability through partnerships and collaboration.
The first phase of the plan included creating a Regional Operating Plan (ROP). Given the complexity of the issue and the number of stakeholders involved, GLWA conceptualized and produced a four-minute video on the ROP to show GLWA’s member partners how collaboration plays a vital role in the success of our regional collection system. The ROP is a central element of the WWMP and provides a chance for all member partner communities to work collaboratively with their neighbors to protect the environment and public health while reducing the need for costly investments in new infrastructure.
The video uses detailed storytelling, easy to understand terminology, and engaging imagery to discuss how southeast Michigan’s current wastewater collection system works and how it will be improved by the ROP. GLWA was able to develop a traffic analogy to easily and visually explain exactly how the plan will work and why it is beneficial to people throughout the region. Different motion animations were used to demonstrate each step of the plan and how they work. The video also features aerial video of GLWA facilities and local waterways, along with animated full-screen graphics.
NACWA awarded the Great Lakes Water Authority a 2022 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Public Information & Education, Video category for its entertaining and educational video. Congratulations to GLWA and 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.