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 ResourcesMember Spotlight: The Power of Collaboration - Western Virginia Water Authority Advances Renewable Energy Solutions
Western Virginia Water Authority, based in Roanoke, VA, has long utilized biogas from its Water Pollution Control (WPC) Plant to offset facility energy needs. However, a groundbreaking partnership with Roanoke Gas Company (RGC) created an innovative way to further optimize this renewable resource - benefiting not only ratepayers but the broader community. Together, the Authority and RGC developed a Biogas to Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) project, driven by a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, advanced technology and exceptional service. Their joint efforts also aimed to enhance the safe and efficient handling of natural gas, maximizing its potential as a clean energy source.
This pioneering project involved constructing a digester gas conditioning system and an interconnect facility at the Authority’s Roanoke Regional WPC Plant. Simultaneously, RGC built its facility alongside the Authority’s digester rehabilitation efforts, where biogas is naturally produced as a by-product of the anaerobic digestion process. Using an advanced membrane separation system, the process refines raw digester gas into commercial-quality natural gas. After a thorough regulatory review, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved RGC’s renewable natural gas facility - marking the first Commission-approved RNG project by a gas utility in Virginia. The facility directly injects refined RNG into RGC’s system via an eight-inch steel distribution main that spans 18 miles through Roanoke, including a direct connection at the Authority’s WPC Plant.
By fully recycling waste into a renewable energy source, this partnership demonstrates the potential for sustainability and energy recovery in the clean water sector. The digester gas conditioning system will have the ability to treat a biogas design flow of 550,000 cubic feet per day (cfd) to create commercial quality RNG. Under this collaboration, the Authority leases land to RGC for the gas conditioning facility, sells its biogas to RGC and shares in revenue generated through Renewable Identification Number (RIN) credits.
The success of this project showcases the power of collaboration in advancing renewable energy solutions. It not only provides a sustainable approach to resource recovery but also delivers long-term economic and environmental benefits to Roanoke and beyond.
NACWA awarded the Western Virginia Water Authority a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Research & Technology category for its innovative 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.