The Mission
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is a nonprofit, international, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating the world’s most important resource: water. Established in 1881, AWWA is the largest organization for water professionals in the world. With more than 50,000 members – including engineers, scientists, and utility managers – the association serves as the authoritative source of knowledge for the water community, working tirelessly to protect public health and provide sustainable water solutions.
Whether you are a utility engineer overseeing a complex treatment plant, a scientist conducting water quality research, or a manager ensuring compliance with federal safety standards, AWWA provides the technical foundation for your daily operations. By offering a robust professional community and comprehensive technical resources, AWWA underpins the safe and effective distribution of water across every segment of the industry, from rural wells to massive metropolitan networks.
AWWA’s standards development is one of its most critical contributions to global infrastructure. The association publishes hundreds of standards that provide detailed guidance on water treatment, distribution, storage, and quality. These documents are essential for utility managers and engineers who must ensure that the components of a water system – from the chemicals used in treatment to the pipes buried underground – meet the highest safety and durability requirements.
These standards cover the entire lifecycle of water infrastructure. This includes specifications for valves, hydrants, and storage tanks, as well as protocols for water quality monitoring and disinfection. Because AWWA standards are developed through a rigorous peer-review process, they are recognized by government agencies and regulators as the definitive references for compliance and public health protection. Following these standards ensures that communities receive a reliable supply of safe, high-quality water.
AWWA operates at the intersection of science, policy, and engineering. The association conducts extensive research into water quality and emerging contaminants, helping the industry stay ahead of new environmental challenges. Beyond research, AWWA is a powerful advocate for smart water policies and workforce development. By publishing leading journals and technical manuals, AWWA provides water professionals with the tools they need to address aging infrastructure and regulatory changes.
Collaboration is a hallmark of the AWWA community. Through its massive annual conference (ACE) and various regional events, the association creates a forum for knowledge sharing. These gatherings allow utility leaders and scientists to exchange best practices on everything from drought management to cybersecurity for water systems. This collective expertise ensures that the water industry remains resilient, innovative, and focused on the primary mission of preserving water resources for future generations.
AWWA was founded in 1881 by a group of 22 water superintendents at a time when rapid urbanization made safe water a critical public health challenge. In its early years, the association focused on standardizing the scientific processes and engineering methods needed to bring clean water to American cities. This spirit of cooperation led to the development of the very first water quality standards, which laid the groundwork for modern public health.
Over more than a century, AWWA has evolved from a domestic group into a truly international organization. Today, its influence reaches every continent. AWWA’s standards are used by utilities worldwide to design and maintain reliable water systems. By connecting professionals across borders, AWWA addresses global challenges like water scarcity and climate change, ensuring that the best scientific knowledge is available to every community, regardless of geography.
Joining AWWA provides water professionals with a direct link to the latest industry developments. Members gain access to a vast library of technical standards and guidance documents, as well as significant discounts on training and certification. This access is vital for anyone responsible for the safety and reliability of a community’s water supply.
Beyond technical resources, membership offers the opportunity to participate in standards committees and advocacy groups. This allows professionals to help shape the regulations and best practices that govern their industry. With a diverse membership spanning consulting firms, academic institutions, and manufacturers, AWWA provides a professional network that supports career growth and technical excellence at every stage.
Education is central to AWWA’s goal of building a robust water workforce. The association provides a wide range of eLearning courses, webinars, and in-person seminars designed to keep professionals current with innovations in water science and infrastructure management. These resources are tailored to everyone from entry-level operators to senior engineers.
AWWA’s annual conference serves as the industry’s premier educational event, featuring hundreds of technical presentations and technology demonstrations. By providing continuous access to the latest research and regulatory updates, AWWA ensures that its members are prepared to tackle the complex challenges of modern water management.
Through its journals and manuals of practice, AWWA supports a culture of lifelong learning that is essential for protecting public health.
About AWWA
What does AWWA stand for?
AWWA stands for the American Water Works Association. Founded in 1881, it is the largest nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water.
What is AWWA known for?
AWWA is globally recognized for its technical standards that govern water treatment, distribution, and storage. It is also known for its extensive research publications and its massive annual water conference.
What are AWWA standards?
These are published documents that provide the requirements for materials, equipment, and practices used in water systems. They ensure that everything from pipes to treatment chemicals is safe and effective.
How many members does AWWA have?
AWWA has more than 50,000 members worldwide, representing every segment of the water industry, including utilities, engineering firms, and government agencies.
Is AWWA a government organization?
No. AWWA is an independent nonprofit association. While its standards are often adopted into law by government regulators (like the EPA), AWWA itself is a private professional organization.
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