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 ResourcesGreat Lakes Water Authority is Shaping the Future of the Water Workforce
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) established its internship program to provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and real-world experience, preparing them for successful careers in the water sector. The program is designed not only to equip students with essential skills for lifelong success but also to build GLWA’s talent pipeline for the future.
As of Fall 2023, GLWA had completed its second cohort, with 22 interns from diverse backgrounds and educational institutions having participated. These interns contributed across various administrative and operational areas within GLWA, including Administration: Finance, Legal, Security and Water Affordability and Assistance; Water and Wastewater Operations: Chemistry Lab, Energy, Research and Innovation, Engineering, Environmental Science, and Industrial Waste Control.
GLWA offers paid internships, with students working 20-40 hours per week, providing a unique introduction to the world of water and wastewater treatment. Interns gain firsthand experience with the premier water and wastewater service provider in southeast Michigan. To apply for GLWA’s internship program, candidates must be:
- Active and in good standing with an accredited post-high school educational institution;
- Pursuing a degree program related to the internship; and
- Have a minimum student status as a rising sophomore.
This internship program is a vital tool in developing future talent for the water sector while enabling GLWA to identify sustainable solutions to address the growing need for a qualified, diverse, and knowledgeable workforce critical to the Authority's operations.
The program’s effectiveness is measured through post-internship surveys. GLWA’s leadership team has consistently rated the program as “exceeds expectations,” and indicated a strong likelihood of continued participation. Interns have similarly rated their experience as “exceeds expectations,” with many expressing an eagerness to return and recommend the program to others.
GLWA is committed to continuing the internship program, which is essential in filling critical roles within the water sector with highly educated and skilled workers who are dedicated to providing quality water services and efficient wastewater management to the community.
In recognition of the program’s success, NACWA awarded the Great Lakes Water Authority a 2024 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Workforce Development category. 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.