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 ResourcesFairfax County is Teaching Tomorrow’s Water Stewards Today
Fairfax County, Virginia's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) Wastewater Management (WWM) Program operates an award-winning wastewater treatment plant—the 67-million-gallon-capacity Noman M. Cole Jr. Pollution Control Plant—along with more than 3,400 miles of sewer lines and 70 pumping stations. Together, these facilities serve over 372,000 residences and commercial businesses, reaching 1.2 million residents. Their work also provides unique and meaningful educational opportunities for young learners.
Building on an already successful laboratory program for middle and high school students, Fairfax County recently introduced a new initiative for elementary-aged students. These programs are designed to spark interest in science while teaching the importance of protecting water resources. Each lab introduces students to water quality testing, hands-on activities, and real-world challenges faced by water professionals. To make the lessons engaging, videos were developed to show why this knowledge matters to the public, resulting in targeted programs for grades K–6. The initiative currently offers five programs, each including an experiment or activity (with materials provided), a take-home worksheet, teacher resources, and a corresponding video. Teachers can request a program to enhance their curriculum, provide interactive learning, and reinforce simple, practical messages on how to care for household water and pipes.
As part of its mission, Fairfax County WWM strives to change behaviors by promoting environmental stewardship—and education is one of its most effective tools. By bringing their expertise into classrooms, WWM helps young people learn how to care for the environment, recognize pollution sources, and minimize risks at home. These students, in turn, become advocates for clean water in their families and communities, and eventually grow into adults who uphold and share the environmental values they were taught.
Fairfax County WWM’s involvement in schools is essential because it engages students and families across multiple age groups and communities, including those that are underserved or underrepresented. Their K–12 programs not only encourage curiosity but also build trust, helping residents feel reassured when they see WWM vehicles in their neighborhoods, knowing that this important work is being done to protect, restore, and enhance our shared water resources.
NACWA awarded the Fairfax County Wastewater Management Program a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Public Information & Education: Educational Program category for its impactful outreach program. 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.