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 ResourcesMeet the Unflushables: Sacramento Area Sewer District Turns Sewer Safety into a Community Mission
The Sacramento Area Sewer District (SacSewer) plays a vital role in protecting public health and the environment, and they know that mission starts with their customers. That’s why ongoing public education is a key part of SacSewer’s work, helping residents understand how to be responsible sewer stewards.
A major focus of SacSewer’s customer outreach is preventing harmful items like disposable wipes and fats, oils and grease (FOG), from entering the sewer system. In preparation for implementing California SB1383, which requires local jurisdictions to compost organic waste at the household level, SacSewer saw an opportunity to refresh its Stop the Clog campaign.
The updated campaign now features playful, eye-catching messaging designed to support the new requirements. Central to the effort is an unforgettable cast of characters—the SacTown Clog Squad and the SacTown Unflushables.
At the heart of the campaign are animated videos, including 60-second mashups featuring these misfit “pipe invaders.” Each character is also spotlighted in a short feature that clears up common misconceptions, promotes proper disposal habits and delivers memorable calls to action that encourage behavior change.
These sewer system “villains” are high on SacSewer’s most-wanted list for the damage they can cause. Once in the system, they can bind with roots, create blockages, and lead to costly backups and overflows, posing risks to both residents and the environment.
By using humor and creativity to engage the public, SacSewer is making proper disposal education more accessible, effective, and fun. The Stop the Clog campaign is a great example of how clear messaging and community engagement can make a lasting impact. Learn more and meet the Clog Squad at sacsewer.com/stop-the-clog.
NACWA awarded the Sacramento Area Sewer District a 2025 National Environmental Achievement Award in the Public Information & Education - Video category for its imaginative campaign. 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.