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 ResourcesCity of Columbus Department of Public Utilities Develops a Bold, Greener Approach to Protecting Our Waterways
In 2015, the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities (DPU) took a major step forward in solving a long-standing problem: sanitary sewer overflows. Under a Consent Order from the Ohio EPA, the city needed to find a solution to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) and stop sewage from spilling into basements, rivers, and streams during heavy rain or snowmelt. Instead of relying on traditional and expensive infrastructure fixes, Columbus launched Blueprint Columbus – a bold, innovative program that tackles the issue at its source.
SSOs often start in unexpected places – right on private property. Rainwater and melting snow can seep into the sanitary sewer system and when too much water enters the system too quickly, it overwhelms the network, causing sewage to back up into homes or overflow into the environment. Blueprint Columbus changes the game by preventing that extra water from entering the system in the first place.
Rather than building more infrastructure, the city chose a smarter strategy: fix what's already there and use nature-based solutions to better manage stormwater. By upgrading existing sewer lines, redirecting rooftop runoff, installing sump pumps where needed, and adding green spaces that naturally absorb rainwater, the program improves both sewer capacity and environmental resilience.
The scale and impact of this project are impressive, spanning over 18,000 acres and benefiting more than 50,000 homes across 21 neighborhoods. Since its launch, the program has helped reduce sewer overflows by up to 99% during heavy rains. Every year, it keeps more than 3.7 million gallons of sewage out of local rivers and streams, and it has cut pollution from stormwater runoff by as much as 20%.
Blueprint Columbus is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a forward-thinking investment in public health, clean water, and the long-term sustainability of Columbus communities. Its success has made it a model for cities across the country looking for smarter, greener solutions to aging sewer systems.
NACWA awarded the City of Columbus Department of Public Utilities a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Operations & Environmental Performance category for its successful 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.