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 ResourcesEl Paso Water Leads the Way in Strengthening the Water Workforce
El Paso Water (EPWater) in Texas serves more than 850,000 residents and businesses in one of the driest regions of the country. Located in the Chihuahuan Desert and averaging only nine inches of annual rainfall, the utility relies on groundwater and Rio Grande surface water to support its community. EPWater’s long history of innovation includes leadership in water reclamation, aquifer recharge, conservation, and desalination, including operating the world’s largest inland desalination plant.
As the city grows, so does the demand for a skilled and reliable plant workforce. Facing industry-wide staffing challenges, particularly at wastewater facilities, EPWater launched a new initiative to strengthen its pipeline of operators and technicians. The Skills for Sustainability Program was developed in partnership with the Success Through Technology Education Foundation, Western Technical College, and the Trust for the Americas, with support from the North American Development Bank, Microsoft, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Through this program, selected students receive six weeks of free evening instruction at Western Tech, covering core topics such as math, biology, chemistry, ethics, and hands-on exposure to EPWater treatment plants. With course materials tailored by EPWater’s human resources and plant leadership, the goal is to introduce motivated candidates from varied backgrounds to meaningful, stable careers in water and wastewater operations.
Graduates are invited to apply for newly created Utility Plant Technician Trainee positions, where they continue hands-on training and work toward earning their D-level plant operations license within six months. Results have been impressive: three cohorts completed training between 2023–2024, and many of the program graduates are now serving at water and wastewater facilities across El Paso. Notably, the initiative has helped bring more women into plant operations, bucking national workforce trends.
By building a skilled, diverse pipeline of future operators, the utility has not only overcome a critical staffing challenge but created a model for others seeking sustainable solutions. EPWater is now exploring funding options to continue what has proven to be a highly successful and impactful program.
NACWA awarded El Paso Water a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Workforce Development category for this forward-thinking approach to workforce development. 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.