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 ResourcesLOTT Clean Water Alliance’s Innovative Project Improves Water Quality and Reduces Costs
LOTT Clean Water Alliance provides wastewater management services for approximately 120,000 people in Thurston County, Washington. Since 1994, LOTT’s Budd Inlet Treatment Plant has employed biological nutrient removal (BNR) to protect water quality in Budd Inlet, where most treated water is discharged. LOTT is recognized as an industry leader in progressive treatment approaches that meet the most stringent discharge limits in the Puget Sound region.
LOTT recently completed a major construction project to upgrade the BNR process. The project optimized the biological treatment process, replaced aging equipment, enhanced operational control and flexibility, and increased process reliability.
The Biological Process Improvements (BPI) project was many years and many team members in the making. Project design began in 2016 with active engagement of plant and engineering staff and use of innovative design tools like 3D modeling. LOTT was first in the state to utilize an innovative alternative procurement process for contractor selection. Construction began in 2020. Careful coordination over 12 full plant shutdowns ensured wastewater treatment was not disrupted. The first two new treatment trains were started up in March 2022, the third in July 2022, and the remaining two trains in March 2023. Overall, the BPI project was delivered on time and on budget. Funding for the $29 million project was supported by low interest loans through the Department of Ecology Water Quality Program and Department of Commerce Public Works Board.
Resulting treatment performance is excellent, with total inorganic nitrogen levels as low as 0.4 mg/L and an average tracking at 1.6 mg/L, compared to the 3 mg/L permit limit. This high performance improves water quality in Budd Inlet, provides capacity to meet community growth, and delays needing to build new costly treatment capacity. It also prepares LOTT to meet even more stringent discharge permit limits anticipated in the future.
The upgrades also significantly reduced energy usage through installation of highly efficient pumps, enhanced aeration control, and advanced controls technology. Energy savings are estimated at 2.5 million kilowatt-hours per year, which represents utility cost savings of over $180,000 annually and offsets 1,143 tons of CO2, reducing LOTT’s carbon footprint.
Because of state efforts to reduce nutrient inputs into Puget Sound from wastewater treatment plants, LOTT’s success with the second generation BNR upgrade has been of great interest to others. LOTT has given many presentations and tours to share information about this project as a valuable example of what is possible with BNR.
NACWA awarded LOTT Clean Water Alliance a 2024 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Operations & Environmental Performance category for its innovative and effective project. 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.