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Students & Young Professionals

Join AWWA’s community for students and young professionals, offering resources, networking, and career development in the water industry.

Annual Conference & Expo

Join water heroes at one of the largest and most important global water gatherings.

Diversity

Discover how AWWA helps communities and water utilities thrive by advancing workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion in utility culture.

Member Appreciation

AWWA celebrates our members and their dedication to the water community with Member Appreciation Month every November.

Manufacturers Associates Council

The MAC is made up of 20 service provider members with dedicated spots for a Young Professionals Committee member, the Director-at-Large – Service Provider, and a representative from the Water and Sewer Distributors of America.

Young Professionals Summit

The world of water is finite. Find new ways to protect and conserve.

“5 Under 35” award showcases outstanding water sector Young Professionals

Five Young Professional members of the American Water Works Association were honored as the 2023 “5 Under 35” during today’s opening session at ACE23. Below, they summarize their key recommendation for ensuring a sustainable path to Water 2050.  Jenny Doyle, Missouri Section  Senior Civil Engineer, PE, City of Glendale, Arizona Water Services Member, AWWA Member […]

Young Professional Membership

Young professionals are the future of water and deserve to feel empowered to become leaders in the sector. Become a member today!

5 Under 35 – Outstanding Young Professional Award

AWWA awards 5 Under 35 – Outstanding Young Professional Award

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) announced the five recipients of its 5 Under 35 – Outstanding Young Professional Award today. The award, which debuted in 2021, recognizes and honors AWWA members under the age of 35 who have demonstrated outstanding service to their Sections or the Association through leadership and active participation in young […]

AWWA Member Spotlight – John Young, Cherry Hill, New Jersey

This week’s AWWA Member Spotlight highlights John Young, retired chief operating officer for American Water, who has assisted troubled water and wastewater utilities for the past decade. Featured in the April 2023 issue of Journal AWWA, Mr. Young channels his expertise and envisions a successful future for water utilities in his article, “Troubled Utilities: Seeing […]

AWWA welcomes Japanese water professionals to the Mile High City

Eight emerging water leaders from across Japan traveled to Colorado recently for a utility management workshop at the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Denver headquarters and to attend the Rocky Mountain Water Conference in Loveland. The visit marked an important step in the growing collaboration between AWWA and the Japan Water Works Association (JWWA). Suguru […]

Join Today

Join AWWA today. Your membership gives you access to valuable tools, technical resources, training, and publications.

Student Chapter

Find your AWWA student chapter and connect with your local water community, or get resources to start your own chapter.

2025 YP Summit Program Agenda

Historically Black Colleges & Universities: AWWA Virtual Student Chapter

Austin F. McCormack, Jr. Award

Technical & Educational Council (TEC)

AWWA recognizes next generation of water leaders with 5 Under 35 Award

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recognized recipients of its Five Under 35 – Outstanding Young Professional Award at its recent ACE25 event in Denver. The award, which debuted in 2021, recognizes and honors AWWA members ages 35 and under who have demonstrated outstanding service to their Sections or the Association through leadership and active […]

AWWA Connections Newsletter

Access issues of Connections, a bi-weekly e-newsletter sent to all members that includes AWWA news, water policy updates, and more.

ACE Fresh Ideas Poster Competition

Participants in this competition are students & YPs that have competed at their local Section conference and were selected to compete at ACE among the other Section champions.

YP Summit Schedule at-a-Glance

Join AWWA

Join AWWA today. Your membership gives you access to valuable tools, technical resources, training, and publications.

AWWA Water Champion — Carlos Ortiz Rosado — Caguas, Puerto Rico

Carlos A. Ortiz Rosado, vice president and operations director at ETAG LLC in Puerto Rico, is a member of the International Council at AWWA. He has also served as Section Director and Section Chair for Puerto Rico AWWA. He is one of the original members of the AWWA Young Professionals Committee. Education/certifications/awards What does your […]

Press Room

The press room offers reporters, editors and other media professionals up-to-date access to information and news from AWWA.

Renew Today Individual

Join AWWA today. Your membership gives you access to valuable tools, technical resources, training, and publications.

AWWA Member Spotlight – Caitlin Cavanagh, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Caitlin Cavanagh, a water resources engineer at AECOM in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, specializes in green infrastructure and stormwater management design. She has worked on projects across the East Coast to enhance water systems and community resilience. Education/certification: B.S., Civil & Environmental Engineering, Villanova University; PE, Pennsylvania Job duties: I have designed stormwater best management practices (BMPs) […]

AWWA recognizes rising stars in water sector with 5 Under 35 Award

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) recognized the five recipients of its 5 Under 35 – Outstanding Young Professional Award at its recent ACE24 event in Anaheim. The award, which debuted in 2021, recognizes and honors AWWA members under the age of 35 who have demonstrated outstanding service to their Sections or the Association through […]

AWWA/WEF The Utility Management Conference™

The world of water is finite. Find new ways to protect and conserve.

Student Design Competition

Who We Are

Learn about AWWA’s mission, vision, and commitment to advancing water quality and management. Discover our impact and join our community.

Heather Collins: Leading through collaboration

Heather Collins, the 144th president of the American Water Works Association, has built her career and leadership philosophy around a central theme: collaboration. From her early days as an engineering intern to her current role as a senior executive, Collins has championed the power of working together to solve complex water challenges. “Collaboration is the […]

AWWA Member Spotlight – Nicole “Nikki” Holloway, Beaver Water District, Lowell, Ark.

Position: Laboratory Supervisor  Education/Certifications: B.S., Chemistry, Missouri State University; M.S., Environmental Science, University of Idaho (In-Progress); Class 4 Water Distribution Operator, Class 4 Water Treatment Operator   What sparked your interest in water and the environment? I grew up very close to the Buffalo River in Arkansas and spent a lot of time on and […]

Lead Communications

Workforce

Workforce strategies represent a critical element of management in the water industry. Workforce strategies include building resources to help attract, recruit, train, and retain talented and skilled employees and best practices for succession planning.

Interesting Times: Water in a Time of Turbulence

AWWA broadens partnerships in global water community

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is significantly expanding its international program and cultivating a global community dedicated to shaping water’s future.  In the past five years, AWWA has tripled the number of its international partners and affiliates through memorandums of understanding, cooperative agreements and other levels of partnerships with leading organizations from Singapore, South […]

Water Equation Award

AWWA 2023 Volunteer of the Year – John J. Donahue

John Donahue, former president of the American Water Works Association (AWWA), retired chief executive officer of North Park Public Water District, and current AWWA trainer, received AWWA’s 2023 Volunteer of the Year award during this morning’s Opening General Session of the Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE). He is a former director of the Illinois Section, […]

AWWA active on college campuses

As the new school year kicks off, more than 50 student chapters of the American Water Works Association are cultivating the water professionals of the next generation. Student chapters are a critical entry point for aspiring water professionals. They help students get acquainted with the array of jobs available in the water sector, and members […]

Peruvian water professional finds calling after fleeing paradise

Ada Liz Gabancho-Soto fled her small community of Uchiza in the Peruvian Amazon in the 1980s when her family was threatened by the violence of terrorism. Joining throngs of other refugees in the capital city of Lima, she and her parents and siblings were fortunate to find housing with municipal services but witnessed the challenges […]

AWWA designates board seat to include next generation of leaders

An historic opportunity for a designated Young Professional (YP) to join the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) board of directors is now available. Applications are open through Aug. 15 for the new YP Director-at-Large position, which will be selected in January 2025. AWWA’s board includes four directors at large (DAL). At the board’s January 2024 […]

Golf, race or walk for Water Equation at ACE25 in Denver

The Water Equation is elevating investment in future water workers and underserved communities through multiple events before and during the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE25) in Denver in June. The 6th Annual WE Walk, an eight-week virtual walk, is already in progress and welcoming participants. The event, which runs April […]

AWWA Member Spotlight – Curt Czarnecki, Kenosha, Wisconsin

Curt Czarnecki is general manager of the Kenosha (Wisconsin) Water Utility. With extensive experience in water management and engineering, he oversees the operation and management of the water, sewerage and household hazardous waste units, while also being an active member of AWWA. Education/certification: B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Platteville; P.E., Wisconsin How and why did […]

Water Utility Insiders – February 2, 2024

AWWA testifies at U.S. House Subcommittee hearing Kevin Morley, AWWA’s federal relations manager, testified before the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment, Manufacturing, and Critical Materials during a hearing entitled, “Ensuring the Cybersecurity of America’s Drinking Water Systems.” In his testimony, Morley stressed the need for increased collaboration between the U.S. Environmental Protection […]

Water 2050 Technology Think Tank Report highlights acceleration, transformation

The second think tank report of the Water 2050 initiative led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) highlights recommendations developed by a diverse group of influential thinkers from within and outside the water community. The Water 2050 Technology Think Tank Report includes recommended actions in four broad categories: Accelerate innovation Transform water services through […]

Much-honored AWWA family exemplifies passion for water profession

Just like still waters, a generational legacy of serving the water community runs deep within a family with roots in Pierce County, Wash., and the Pacific Northwest Section of the American Water Works Association. The latest representative of three distinguished generations of water professionals is Robert “Bob” James, who recently was presented the 2022 George […]

First Water 2050 think tank envisions the path to sustainability

Surrounded by desert vegetation at the site of an historical source of water in Las Vegas, 24 professionals from a wide spectrum of the water and related sectors gathered Sept. 21-23 to collaborate in the first of five think tanks associated with the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Water 2050 initiative. As they met in the […]

ACE24: Your opportunity to help transform the future of water

Thousands of water professionals will unite to address global water challenges at the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2024 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE24) June 10-13 in Anaheim, California. About 10,000 attendees are expected at the 143rd year of the water community’s premier event, which will highlight the latest water sector advances, challenges, insights and […]

ACE23: Your opportunity to help guide the future of water

Thousands of water professionals will attend the water community’s premier event and help solve global water challenges at the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) 2023 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE23) June 11-14 in Toronto. Early registration for in-person and virtual attendance ends today, with about 10,000 attendees expected. This is the 142nd year of the […]

Mile High City welcomes water community to ACE25

The American Water Works Association (AWWA) today kicked off its 2025 Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE25) in Denver, Colorado, which runs through June 11. The conference, themed “Elevate,” aims to raise the bar in every facet of water management. Part of “elevating” water involves striving for a successful and sustainable water future, which is the […]

Diversity & Inclusion Award

Water 2050 think tank report examines economics

A new report generated as part of the Water 2050 initiative led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) summarizes recommendations developed during a recent think tank focused on economics.  The Water 2050 Economics Think Tank Report recommends actions in three broad categories: Reimagine the water economy Embrace innovative economic models Mobilize the water community […]

Paddlers hit the water to maintain Iowa rivers and streams

An enthusiastic crew of more than 300 canoe-paddling volunteers – including Taylor Hopper, a member of the Iowa Section of the American Water Works Association – traversed along 61 miles of the West Fork of the Des Moines River in northwest Iowa earlier this month during the state’s largest annual river clean-up event, Project AWARE […]

From idea to action: taking AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative forward

Insights from five Water 2050 think tanks led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) over the past year will help guide the next steps toward assuring the water sector’s success and sustainability. Through the think tanks, AWWA brought together a diverse group of experts from the water sector and related organizations to explore challenges […]

First Transformative Water Leadership Academy cohort diving in

Great water utility leaders aren’t born — they’re developed. Right now, an important part of this development is embodied in the inaugural cohort of the Transformative Water Leadership Academy (TWLA). TWLA is a new educational program to equip emerging water utility leaders with key skills for sustainable community leadership. Offered jointly by the American Water […]

Early registration open through April 21 for AWWA’s Annual Conference & Exposition

The world’s premier water conference will be in Toronto DENVER, April 5, 2023 – The early registration deadline is Friday, April 21, for the world’s premier water conference – the American Water Works Association’s 2023 Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE23) – which takes place June 11-14 in Toronto at Exhibition Place Toronto, including the Enercare […]

AWWA Councils, think tanks contribute insights to Water 2050 initiative

The pathway to a sustainable water future is beginning to take shape, as members of the water community contribute unique insights and recommendations through the Water 2050 initiative. Hosted by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Water 2050 is a collaborative effort to envision the future of water and chart a course for success and […]

Korean Student Chapter on the Rise

The Korea University, Sejong Campus, an AWWA student chapter, is growing its membership, thanks to an emphasis on programming that connects students to industry and teaches them more about current challenges in the water sector. When the chapter was established, leaders sought to provide a mix of academic and hands-on activities to appeal to a […]

AWWA Member Spotlight – Hillary Caron, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Hillary Caron, water education and programs coordinator at the City of Grand Rapids Water System, manages public outreach programs, K-12 education initiatives and career development programs. She is passionate about empowering the community and nurturing water stewards. Education/certification: B.S., Biological Sciences, Central Michigan University; M.S., Biological Sciences, University of Alaska Anchorage; State of Michigan F-1 […]

AWWA Member Spotlight – Denita Bonhart, Cleveland, Ohio

Denita Bonhart is manager of the special projects group at the Cleveland Water Division. With expertise in project management and a passion for continuous learning, she coordinates projects, serves as the human resources lead, and contributes to the Water Distribution Worker Apprenticeship Program. Education/certification: Certificate in Project Management, Kent State University Job duties: I oversee […]

You’re Invited: AWWA’s 2023 Drinking Water Week Celebration

This year’s Drinking Water Week celebration is May 7-13, an opportunity to celebrate the vital role water plays in everyday life for both water professionals and the communities they serve. Whether you’re new to the party or have been participating for years, AWWA invites you to join the decades-long tradition. Recognizing Drinking Water Week is […]

AWWA Water Champion – Paula MacIlwaine, AWWA Deputy CEO

Paula MacIlwaine, AWWA’s Deputy CEO since 2004, is retiring in early July after nearly 39 years with the Association. Her secret to success? “When you appreciate staff, are curious about your work and are helpful, you can learn a lot.” Watch a video with her and AWWA CEO David LaFrance. As a native Oklahoman, what […]

New Drinking Water Week materials available

New materials, including social media graphics, are available to download through AWWA’s website for this year’s Drinking Water Week celebration, May 4-10. Drinking Water Week materials can be used by members to engage with consumers, public officials and media about the reliability of drinking water and the dedicated professionals associated with delivering water from collection […]

Award-winning campaign strengthens interest in water careers

An impactful communications campaign to promote career opportunities at Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) will be honored at next month’s American Water Works Association (AWWA)  Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE25) in Denver, Colorado. GLWA, which provides water to nearly 40 percent of the state of Michigan, will receive AWWA’s Public Communications Achievement Award for an […]

Protecting Springfield’s water supply: A collaborative success story

The City of Springfield, Missouri has a thriving and expanding community that depends on clean and ample water for the well-being of its citizens, industries and environment. The Watershed Committee of the Ozarks (Watershed) and City Utilities of Springfield (CU) have joined forces to effectively protect the local water supply. This partnership is aligned with […]

New Drinking Water Week materials available

New materials, including social media graphics, are available to download through AWWA’s website for this year’s Drinking Water Week celebration, which will be May 7-13. Drinking Water Week materials can be used by members to engage with consumers, public officials and media about the reliability of drinking water and the diversity of dedicated professionals associated […]

AWWA members, communities ramp up for Drinking Water Week 2024

American Water Works Association (AWWA) members are raising awareness about the importance of clean and safe drinking water during the May 5-11 celebration of the annual Drinking Water Week. From coast to coast, water utilities, government agencies, communities, schools and AWWA Sections are planning engaging and diverse activities to educate consumers about water and the […]

AWWA members join roundtable associated with United Nations water conference

In conjunction with this spring’s United Nations (UN) 2023 Water Conference, held in New York March 22-25, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) co-hosted an event with several of its international partners, including World Bank. The water partners event was a roundtable discussion, “Empowering Women, Youth and Indigenous Persons to Accelerate Global Water Security in […]

AWWA Water Champion – Christina Montoya-Halter, El Paso Water

Christina Montoya-Halter, communications and marketing manager at El Paso Water (EPWater), leads a team responsible for internal and external communications, including media relations, social media, employee communications and crisis communications. She is a member of the American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) Public Affairs Council. How and why did you get into the water sector? I […]

AWWA Water Champion – Lee Anne Jones, Halton Region, Ontario

Lee Anne Jones is infrastructure planning & policy director at Halton Region in Oakville, Ontario. Her AWWA leadership positions have included director on the AWWA Board, vice president on the AWWA Executive Committee, and president of the Ontario Water Works Association. She has been a member of the AWWA Board’s Finance and Canadian Affairs committees […]

High school training program primes pipeline for Texas water operators

Responding to a workforce shortage stemming from retiring water professionals, the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association (TAWWA) has developed a new training program – dubbed SETH (Science, Engineering, Technology, Health) Water Operator Training Program – to help fill a talent pipeline for Texas water operators. “Texas is facing a workforce issue as […]