American Water Works Association (AWWA) supports research for all elements of water, including, but not limited to, public health protection, quality and quantity of source waters, the diversity of resources, treatment technologies, distribution networks, collection systems, water storage facilities, system security, analytical methods, customer service, and utility management. AWWA supports the inclusion of research costs in rates charged for water services.
Support of and participation in research is a necessary investment in the future of high quality water service and the development of new professionals for the water industry. AWWA encourages support for research efforts sponsored by the Water Research Foundation, and other relevant organizations, such as water utilities, service providers, universities, community groups, or governmental organizations.
Promoting and supporting research advances the science of water and enables water utilities to use innovative technologies and management practices that will result in:
AWWA encourages the results of research studies undertaken by water utilities to be publicly available to benefit the global water community.
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.