2026 ANNUAL REPORT

You Transform Water.
NACWA Powers What's Possible.

Message from
the President

Our collective commitment to clean
water continues to transform
communities across the nation.

Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells
Chief Executive Officer | Northeast Regional Sewer District | Cleveland, OH

Advocacy,
Connection,
and Empowerment

Advocacy and Connection
in service of every community.

Championing
Clean Water Nationwide

 

NACWA brings the priorities, expertise and experience of clean water utilities to the national stage—shaping policy, strengthening their voice and championing solutions that help utilities and the communities they serve thrive.

95% Retention

Clean water professionals and affiliates receiving communications and engaging with Association resources.
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People served around the clock every day of the year, 24/7/365, by NACWA's 360 public agency members – stewards of public health and environmental progress.
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New members! Strengthening our clean water voice by adding 11 Public Agencies, 3 Corporate Affiliates, 2 Public Utility Affiliates, and 1 Supporting Affiliates to our advocacy efforts.
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Collective
Power

You transform water into healthier communities, stronger economies, and a more sustainable future. NACWA unites public clean water utilities around one mission: protecting public health and the environment. Together, we amplify your voice, shape national policy, and equip you with the tools, resources, and network to meet today’s challenges while preparing for better clean water future. Strengthened by an unparalleled network of clean water professionals, NACWA is your champion in Washington and beyond, we turn shared goals into lasting progress. Because when clean water leaders stand together, ambition becomes action — and every member’s voice grows stronger. 

Expanding our Influence:
Strength through Collaboration

Whether partnering with utilities, allied water sector associations, or building innovative alliances beyond the sector, NACWA is strategic about who we stand with. Every collaboration is designed to advance our members’ priorities, strengthen our influence, and extend our reach on the issues that matter most. The following examples illustrate the power of partnership in action:

To elevate water reuse as a national priority for public clean water utilities, NACWA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the WateReuse Association to accelerate federal action . This partnership creates a stronger, more coordinated voice to for reuse-related legislation, including a bill introduced in Congress in October to expand federal funding and spur technological innovation.

By aligning resources, messaging and advocacy strategies, tNACWA and WateReuse can more effectively champion policies that help utilities invest in resilient, sustainable water supply solutionsAnd ensure member priorities are represented in the national conversation around water reuse.

Spearheaded by NACWA in collaboration with national water sector associations, Water Week  brings water professionals from across the country together with key Members of Congress and federal officials for direct engagement on the ipolicies shaping the sector. Throughout the week, events spotlight critical regulatory and legislative priorities  affecting water utilities and the communities they serve. .

Water Week culminates on Capitol Hill, with the National Water Policy Fly-In, where participants advocate directly with lawmakers for policies that support safe, affordable and reliable drinking water and clean water servicesThis year over 650 water professionals came to Washington, D.C. to make the water sector’s voices heard.. Save the date for Water Week , April 11 – 17, 2027!

NACWA recognizes that our voice is stronger when we work alongside organizations that share our commitment to clean water and thriving communities. In addition to close coordination across the water sector, NACWA actively builds partnerships beyond it to broaden our reach, sharpen our influence and bring public clean water utility priorities to new audiences and decision-makers. TRecent collaborations include:

  • Joined the Water-AI Nexus Center of Excellence to facilitate dialogue between AI and technology companies and the water sector.
  • Joined The Water Group, facilitated by American Rivers, to engage in water policy discussions with environmental, conservation and business groups.
  • Participated in the National Stormwater Leadership Coalition to strengthen water sector advocacy on stormwater policy and urban stormwater management.
  • Continued participation in the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program Coalition to support congressional efforts related to LIHWAP .
  • Continued participation in the Water Sector Against PFAS Coalition to advance for water sector priories on PFAS before Congress and federal agencies. 
  • Engagedwith the Data Center Coalition to build relationships between data center and utility advocates and identify opportunities for policy alignment. 
  • Fostered a partnership with the Water Collaborative Delivery Association focused on innovative approcahes to project delivery
  • Continued collaboration with the Value of Water Coalition to  promote investment in water infrastructure and support initiatives such as Imagine a Day Without Water

 Strength Through
Connection and Engagement

NACWA’s growing suite of virtual and in-person events, committee meetings, and online forums deliver opportunities for peers to connect and solve critical clean water challenges, advance best practice solutions, and elevate collaborative thought leadership across our sector.

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In person and virtual events providing exceptional opportunities for education and connection

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Attendees, with 12% being first-time participants

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Members participating in committees and task forces supporting NACWA’s advocacy agenda

Celebrating Excellence,
Elevating Communities

NACWA Members anchor their communities, delivering clean water services that protect public health, sustain the environment, support local economies and transform lives every day. They pursue peak performance in environmental compliance, innovation and leadership. NACWA Award Programs bring national recognition to these achievements, building trust and confidence, supporting new programs and rate increases, and showcasing the vital role utilities play in the communities they serve. This year NACWA recognized 575 facilities and member agencies across its awards programs.

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Facilities from 206 Member Agencies earned Platinum, Multi-Platinum, Gold or Silver Peak Performance honored for compliance with their Clean Water Act Permits. View our celebration of Platinum & Multi-Platinum honorees.

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National Environmental Achievement Awards given in 9 different categories featured as resources and best practices in the Member Spotlight and on our website.

We must all add our voices… to raise your voice in support of the importance of clean, safe water as an essential service that demands more, not less, federal support.

Click on the Icons for More Information

Meetings & Virtual Events


NACWA Resources


Leadership Development Opportunities


Clean Water Careers


Sponsorship Opportunities


The Value of Membership

Advancing Clean Water Solutions

Gain access to critical legislative, regulatory, communications, and legal advocacy insights, thought leadership, and forward-looking content — while tapping into the collective force and solidarity of a national network of clean water sector executives.

From regional and emerging-issue virtual events to specialty conferences focused on policy, pretreatment, communications, and law, as well as national conferences that bring the full sector together, connect with member agencies of every size across the country. Engage alongside affiliate organizations that offer essential national perspectives on trends and innovation shaping the clean water sector.

Through its partnership with Core Consulting, NACWA offers the Core Leadership program, advancing leadership development and strategic thinking for clean water professionals. The program equips utility staff with the tools they need to grow, innovate, and elevate both themselves and their organizations. Additionally, the Association collaborates with partners in the water sector and the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School to provide executive leadership development through the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center (WWLC).
NACWA provides its members with a variety of tools and resources to inform and support their operations. Long-standing resources include the Congressional Toolbox to facilitate advocacy with Members of Congress, the annual Clean Water Index to benchmark rates, and the triennial Financial Survey with vital capital and operations data. NACWA also continually develops new resources to help members tell their story and navigate the ever-changing clean water landscape, including the WeTransformWater.org communications toolkit, the PFAS State Legislative Tracker and Biosolids Communication Toolkit, award-winning NEAA project descriptions, and the Datacenter Guide for Utility Executives.
Whether you’re searching for top talent or the next big opportunity, NACWA’s Clean Water Careers site has you covered. Connect with the best in the sector or explore a range of exciting positions today!

NACWA’s 2027 Sponsorship Program gives your company an unmatched platform to connect with the leaders shaping the future of clean water. Showcase your firm’s contributions to the clean water community and build strong relationships with utility leaders nationwide with 2027 NACWA Sponsorship!

Water is the Cornerstone of Every Community…NACWA is the Power Behind It! NACWA ensures your utility is supported and heard. Membership delivers a clear return on investment by connecting you to a strong national network, amplifying your influence in shaping critical policy and strengthening your ability to serve your customers and protect the environment. The organizational nature of membership allows all key staff to engage in and experience the benefits of membership. Join Today!

Elevating Your Return on Investment

Embrace Connection & Growth at NACWA Meetings & Virtual Events

Receive high-value information and resources on legislative, regulatory, communications, and legal advocacy and analysis while experiencing the unparalleled strength, unity, and support of a nationwide network, comprised of member agencies of all sizes and service regions as well as exposure to affiliate organizations who also provide a valuable national perspective on trends and innovation within the sector.

Empower your staff through Leadership Development Opportunities​

Through its partnership with Core Consulting, NACWA offers the CORE Leadership program, advancing leadership development and strategic thinking for clean water professionals. The program equips utility staff with the tools they need to grow, innovate, and elevate both themselves and their organizations. Additionally, the Association collaborates with partners in the water sector and the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Business School to provide executive leadership development through the Water & Wastewater Leadership Center (WWLC).

Equip your Utility through Vital NACWA Resources

NACWA provides its members with a variety of tools and resources, including a Congressional Toolbox to help facilitate advocacy with Members of Congress, an annual Clean Water Index to help utilities benchmark their rates and a triennial Financial Survey containing vital capital and operations financial data. Additionally, the Association provides timely resources such as the Communications Toolkit for PFAS and Biosolids – a comprehensive resource that supports your utility’s ability to respond to inquiries from the public, press or political leaders about these issues.

Expand Opportunities through Clean Water Careers

Whether you’re searching for top talent or the next big opportunity, NACWA’s Clean Water Careers site has you covered. Connect with the best in the sector or explore a range of exciting positions today!

Enhance Connection through Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase your firm’s contributions to the clean water community and build strong relationships with utility leaders nationwide with 2026 NACWA Sponsorship!

Experience the Value of Membership

Join NACWA and actively engage in shaping the policies that will directly impact your utility. Be a part of an unparalleled network of public utility executives who exchange insights, innovative strategies, common challenges, and successful solutions. The organizational nature of membership allows all key staff to engage in and experience the benefits of membership. Join Today!

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