AWWA Questions & Answers

The American Water Works Association is an international, scientific, and educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to a better world through better water.

Founded in 1881, AWWA is the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world. It’s membership includes more 50,000 members and more than 4,300 utilities that supply roughly 80% of North America’s drinking water and treat almost half of North America’s wastewater.

AWWA supports positive change by helping elected leaders, regulators, and other stakeholders make informed decisions about water management, quality, and security. AWWA’s engagement leads to public policy that keeps consumers safe and water affordable and reliable.

AWWA’s Annual Conference and Expo (ACE) is hosted each June and attracts over 10,000 attendees. AWWA also hosts over 7 conferences on specific topics and 6 seminars throughout the year.

AWWA provides Utility Advisories by email to utility members as timely water sector information becomes available and emails the Insider Newsletter biweekly to utility and service provider members.

All members receive the AWWA Connections Newsletter which features AWWA news, member profiles, water sector trends and policies.

Yes, AWWA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Water Equation is an initiative of AWWA that provides funding for academic scholarships, water operator continuing education, and young professionals’ programs.

As the world’s largest water association, AWWA supports the international water community, welcoming members from across the globe and bringing them together at the Annual Conference and Expo (ACE).

AWWA joined the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest voluntary corporate sustainability initiative, underscoring our commitment to global sustainability and collective impact.

Contact AWWA Membership Services for assistance with membership, events, training, publications, purchases, account support, and general inquiries. Anyone can create an account and use the AWWA Dashboard to view their current membership status, access membership benefits, certificates of completion, see upcoming webinars, and more.

service@awwa.org

303.794.7711 or 800.926.7337

AWWA Standards are consensus documents created by volunteer committees. They offer minimum requirement guidelines on all facets of water.

AWWA offers more than 200 ANSI-accredited Standards, available for purchase through the AWWA Store. Utility and service provider organizational members receive online access to the AWWA Standards collection as a membership benefit.

AWWA Standards, manuals, and over 200 technical books developed by industry experts are available on the AWWA Store.

Find information curated by industry experts on the AWWA Resource Hub, including in-depth technical reports and guides organized by topic such as cybersecurity, infrastructure funding, and PFAS.

• Journal AWWA is the voice of the American Water Works Association and serves as a forum for thought leaders in the water and wastewater industry to learn about critical issues affecting water.
• Opflow is the water community’s primary network for operator-level workers, celebrating 50 years. The award-winning magazine presents new and established technologies and ideas that readers can apply to their operations.
• AWWA Water Science publishes original, peer-reviewed research on the science, engineering, and social aspects of water, bridging the gap between theory and practice for safe, sustainable water.

Download the free annual State of the Water Industry Report to learn about the top industry challenges, utility priorities, and emerging trends.

AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative will shape a long-term vision of the future of water that will chart a course for a successful and sustainable water sector.

AWWA offers Safety First and Water System Operations (WSO) training video subscriptions for utilities and water professionals.

AWWA membership provides access to water industry publications, local AWWA Section membership, networking opportunities, industry news and information, and discounts on conferences, training, books, manuals, and AWWA Standards. Benefits vary by membership type.

Individual members receive access to Journal AWWA, Opflow, and AWWA Water Science, local AWWA Section membership, AWWA Connections Newsletter, discounts on conference, eLearning, webinars, books, AWWA Standards, and manuals.

Utility and service provider members receive an online subscription to view AWWA Standards. All employees of the organization receive discounts on conferences, eLearning, Webinars, Books, AWWA Standards, and Manuals. And employees with AWWA memberships receive access to Journal AWWA, Opflow, and AWWA Water Science, local AWWA Section Membership, AWWA Connections Newsletter, discounts on conferences, eLearning, webinars, books, AWWA Standards, and manuals.

There are 43 local AWWA Sections across North America. Sections connect water professionals through conferences, training, scholarships, networking opportunities, and local industry news and information.

Help shape the future of water while building professional connections, sharing your expertise, and advancing the water community. Join more than 4,500 volunteers serving on over 250 committees.

AWWA provides opportunities to contribute to the water community by serving on Technical and Educational Councils, participating on AWWA Standards committees, publishing articles, presenting at conferences, and sharing expertise through webinars.

AWWA’s 50,000 members represent a unique opportunity to reach water professionals across the industry. Advertising opportunities include event, webinar, and program sponsorships, along with print, web, email, and advertorial advertising.

AWWA offers Certificates of Completion for most online and in-person programs. These certificates may be used to support Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and Continuing Education Units (CEUs); however, approval is determined by the applicable licensing or certification agency.

AWWA hosts more than 50 expert-led webinars each year on a wide range of water topics. Webinars are recorded for on-demand viewing and can be purchased individually or through an annual subscription for individuals or teams.

AWWA also provides a vast catalog of eLearning courses for users to learn at their own pace. Many states will approve AWWA eLearning courses for continuing education credits.

The AWWA Career Center connects job seekers with opportunities throughout the water sector and provides career resources such as resume feedback and career advice.

AWWA’s Water System Operations (WSO) materials provide training on the fundamental practices and principles of water treatment and distribution through exam preparation resources, publications, and eLearning courses.

AWWA offers the Transformative Leadership Academy to help develop future leaders in the water industry, as well as a mentorship program for students and young professionals.

Water Equation, AWWA’s philanthropic initiative, facilitates scholarships funded by AWWA, corporate partners, and the Water Operator Continuing Education Fund. Additional scholarship opportunities are available through local AWWA Sections.