Revised AWWA Policy Statement on Research

July 28, 2026 

The revised AWWA Policy Statement on Research was approved by the Educational Technical and Council and is now available for member comment.

Comments on the policy statement will be reviewed by AWWA staff and forwarded to the Executive Committee if the comments are minor, or referred back to the originating body if the comments are substantive. Policies forwarded to the Executive Committee will be reviewed for approval and final action.

AWWA Policy Statement on Research

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) supports research across the full water cycle, including utility management, water resources, drinking water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, reuse, and stormwater systems, as well as the inclusion of associated research costs into water service rates.

Research is a necessary investment for maintaining safe and dependable water practices and services, as well as developing new water industry professionals. AWWA encourages support for research sponsored by the Water Research Foundation and organizations such as utilities, universities, community groups, professional organizations and foundations, and governmental institutions. AWWA further encourages researchers to make the results of their studies publicly accessible to benefit the global water community.

Promoting and supporting water industry research advances the tools available to water industry professionals. Sharing research findings enables the implementation of innovative technologies and improved management practices to help protect and maintain water resources for beneficial uses, including drinking water and the environment. Research provides an opportunity to evaluate and develop cost-effective, innovative treatment and delivery technologies for the development of safe, alternative drinking water sources while assuring the continued delivery of safe and dependable water services that meet public expectations and regulatory requirements. Continued public health protection depends on the development of accurate monitoring and detection technologies for both new and well-known constituents at levels of concern. Investigations into the optimal operational practices for reliable and resilient treatment, storage, and distribution of water are critical for meeting current and future water use needs.

It is also critical to optimize resources through energy conservation, resource recovery, and management best practices. Research provides utilities with new approaches to consider in all aspects of their business. At the same time, it is important to develop effective customer service procedures that promote customer satisfaction and increase consumer education. Utilities need efficient management strategies for capital investment, resource conservation, human resources, workforce performance, and community relations, all of which research helps to facilitate.

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

Adopted by the Board of Directors June 24, 2007, and revised Jan 17, 2010. Reaffirmed by the Board of Directors January 20, 2013. Revised June 18, 2016 and October 25, 2022. New date to be added.

Please submit comments by August 27, 2026.