Sustainability

AWWA Policy Statement on Sustainability

The American Water Works Association advocates sustainable design, construction, management, and operation of utilities and programs that manage or affect water resources. For the purpose of this policy statement, sustainability shall be defined as: “using resources in an economically, environmentally, and socially responsible manner to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Utilities have stewardship responsibilities associated with a wide range of built, natural, and societal assets.  AWWA supports an integrated approach to sustainability and promotes conservation of resources and a circular economy by reusing and recapturing what would traditionally be discarded such as water, energy, and materials.

AWWA supports integrating sustainability in utility management. Decision making should consider locally specific conditions and priorities. Decisions account for a wide range of tangible and intangible assets under current and future scenarios.

Recognizing sustainability as a continuous improvement process, AWWA supports sustainability efforts by utilities and encourages the adoption and implementation of innovative technologies, data-driven business practices, and engagement strategies to enhance sustainability.

Practices specified in this policy statement are consistent with all other pertinent AWWA policy statements.

Adopted by the Board of Directors Jan 23, 2011. Revised June 8, 2014, June 11, 2017, and March 27, 2025.