Connecting with Wastewater Professionals

Last updated September 27, 2023

One of the best ways to connect with wastewater utilities is to attend events organized by, or otherwise connect with, a state or regional wastewater member association (MA). Members of these associations are typically operators, engineers, laboratory managers, regulators, academics, and other professionals in the wastewater field. These non-profit associations run programs, put on conferences and workshops, publish resources, and provide training opportunities for their members. MA programming and staffing vary widely, with some MAs run entirely by volunteers. Usually, each state or region will have two major wastewater MAs:

Jurisdictions may have other active wastewater MAs as well.

Jurisdiction-specific wastewater MA information is provided below, but please don’t hesitate to email WEF if you have any questions or would like additional information.

The two major wastewater member associations in AL are:

  1. Alabama Rural Water Association (ARWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, ARWA's mission is to "to provide assistance to these systems to comply with State and Federal regulations, to help them with management and operational problems, and to provide or stimulate training initiatives which will promote personnel development and efficiency".
  2. Alabama Water Environment Association (AWEA): A WEF member association, AWEA is "a not-for-profit, educational, and technical organization that has been dedicated to preserving, protecting, and managing Alabama’s waters since 1977".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via ARWA and AWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in AK are:

  1. Alaska Rural Water Association (ARWA): ARWA is an affiliate of the NRWA with the mission of providing "water and wastewater systems with quality support services and solutions in a changing world of regulations and finance".
  2. Alaska Water Wastewater Management Association (AWWMA): The mission of AWWMA, which manages the Alaska section activities of both the American Water Works Association and WEF, is "to bring knowledge, expertise, and technology
    to water and wastewater industry professionals in Alaska".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via ARWA and AWWMA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in AZ are:

  1. Arizona Water Association (AZ Water): AZ Water is a non-profit educational organization with a membership of 2,700 water/wastewater professionals dedicated to preserving and enhancing Arizona's water environment. Although independent, AZ Water serves as the Arizona section of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Arizona member association of  WEF.
  2. Rural Water Association of Arizona (RWAA): An affiliate of the NRWA, RWAA’s mission is to "facilitate the optimization of resources while mutually expanding the technical, managerial, and financial capability of member utilities and the RWAA while engaging associate members, funding sources and regulatory organizations in the pursuit of this mission".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via AZ Water and RWAA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in AL are:

  1. Arkansas Rural Water Association (ARWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, ARWA's "is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to assist water systems with day-to-day operational and management problems".
  2. Arkansas Water Environment Association (Arkansas WEA): A WEF member association, Arkansas WEA aims, among other things, to "[a]dvance the fundamental knowledge of the water environment, its basic qualities and its physical laws governing its interaction with other aspects of the environment and with the aesthetic, economic, and biological needs of the citizens of Arkansas."

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via ARWA and Arkansas WEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

There are three major wastewater member associations in CA:

  1. California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA). Representing more than 125 public agencies focused on wastewater collection and treatment, CASA's mission is to "provide trusted information and advocacy on behalf of California clean water agencies, and to be a leader in sustainability and utilization of renewable resources".
  2. California Rural Water Association (CRWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, CRWA's mission is to "provide training, technical assistance, resources and information to assist water and wastewater utilities in achieving high standards of service".
  3. California Water Environment Association (CWEA). CWEA is a WEF member association with a community of more than 10,000 water professionals with the mission of "Empowering, Educating and Connecting water professionals to protect public health and the environment".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CASA, CRWA, or CWEA are below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

There are three wastewater member associations in Illinois:

  1. Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA): CSWEA is a WEF member association with members from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Its mission is to offer "multiple opportunities for the exchange of water quality knowledge and experiences among its members and the public and to foster a greater awareness of water quality achievements and challenges".
  2. Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, IRWA's goal is the "professional, efficient operation of water and wastewater systems through education and on-site assistance, working on a one-to-one basis, and addressing problems from the system level".
  3. Illinois Water Environment Association (IWEA): IWEA is also a WEF member association with the mission to "connect and enrich the Illinois water community and increase the awareness of the impact and value of water".

Although the City of Chicago already has a strong working relationship with its local utility (Metropolitan Water Reclamation District), some CSWEA and IWEA activities might be of interest for exploring the wastewater sector more generally. These activities are suggested below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in CO are:

  1. Colorado Rural Water Association (CRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, CRWA's mission is to "provide professional training, technical assistance and political representation to rural and small communities as they endeavor to maintain industry standards, meet regulatory deadlines and attain multi-level certifications of their water and wastewater systems operators".
  2. Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association (RMWEA): RMWEA is a WEF member association with the goal of "fostering an environment of learning, networking, and enjoyment while providing value to our members" for members in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CRWA and RMWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The three major wastewater member associations in CT are:

  1. Connecticut Rural Water and Wastewater Association (CRWWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, CRWWA provides "managerial and technical assistance, training classes for system personnel on federal and state rules, system operation and maintenance, various financial issues and more."
  2. Connecticut Water Environment Association (CTWEA): CTWEA is a locally focus organization that is aligned with NEWEA (see below) and WEF. They offer "legislative advocacy, education events and professional programs ... to unite Connecticut's wastewater professionals to promote sound public policy."
  3. New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA): NEWEA is a WEF member association with over 2,100 members and a mission to "to promote education and collaboration while advancing knowledge, innovation, and sound public policy for the protection of the water environment and our quality of life."

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CRWWA, CTWEA, and NEWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

There are three wastewater member associations in DE:

  1. Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA): CWEA is a WEF member association with membership "composed of professionals who operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants and collection systems; educators; engineers; scientists; designers, manufacturers, and representatives of wastewater treatment equipment; and members of local, state and federal governments".
  2. Delaware Rural Water Association (DRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, DRWA is the "State’s leading association dedicated to providing on-site technical assistance and specialized training for rural water and wastewater systems".
  3. Water and Waste Operators Association of Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia (WWOA): WWOA "represents water, wastewater and biosolids professionals in the Chesapeake Bay region" and is comprised of "professionals who are dedicated to improving the environment through the advancement of knowledge".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CWEA, DRWA, or WWOA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in FL are:

  1. Floria Rural Water Association (FRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, FRWA's primary purpose is to "assist water and wastewater systems with every phase of the water and wastewater operations".
  2. Florida Water Environment Association (FWEA): FWEA is a WEF member association "dedicated to promoting a clean and sustainable water environment by supporting and uniting our members with the public through public awareness and outreach; providing professional development and networking opportunities for our members; and creating alliances to promote sound science-based public policy".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via FRWA and FWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in GA are:

  1. Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP): GAWP is a member association for water professionals generally, and includes the Georgia Water Environment Federation (GWEF). GWEF is a WEF member association focused on "providing education and training opportunities for people in the wastewater field".
  2. Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, GRWA's represents "rural systems throughout the State of Georgia in regard to drinking water and wastewater needs".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via GAWP and GRWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in HI are:

  1. Hawaii Rural Water Association (HRWA): HRWA is an affiliate of the NRWA.
  2. Hawaii Water Environment Association (HWEA): HWEA is a WEF member association focused on being "the organization of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals
    recognized for preserving and enhancing the water environment in the Pacific Island Region".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via HRWA and HWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater MAs in TX are:

  1. Texas Rural Water Association (TRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, TRWA's mission is to "serve, represent, support, and strengthen member water and wastewater utilities".
  2. Water Environment Association of Texas (WEAT): WEAT, a WEF member association, is a "nonprofit organization of professionals who benefit society through protecting and enhancing the environment by providing education and awareness on the value of water".

Although the City of Houston is already deeply "connected" to its own wastewater utility, some WEAT activities might be of interest for understanding the wastewater industry more generally. These include:

The two major wastewater member associations in WA are:

  1. Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, IRWA providestraining and technical assistance to drinking water and wastewater utility systems in Idaho with populations under 10,000 people.
  2. Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA): PNCWA is a WEF member association "dedicated to education, dissemination of technical and scientific information, increased public understanding, and promotion of sound public laws and programs in the water resources and related environmental fields in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via IRWAand PNCWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

There are three wastewater MAs in Illinois:

  1. Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA): CSWEA is a WEF member association with members from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Its mission is to offer "multiple opportunities for the exchange of water quality knowledge and experiences among its members and the public and to foster a greater awareness of water quality achievements and challenges".
  2. Illinois Rural Water Association (IRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, IRWA's goal is the "professional, efficient operation of water and wastewater systems through education and on-site assistance, working on a one-to-one basis, and addressing problems from the system level".
  3. Illinois Water Environment Association (IWEA): IWEA is also a WEF member association with the mission to "connect and enrich the Illinois water community and increase the awareness of the impact and value of water".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CSWEA, IRWA, and IWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in IN are:

  1. Alliance of Indiana Rural Water (AIRW). AIRW is an affiliate of the NRWA that "provides training and technical assistance to small and rural water and wastewater utilities throughout the state of Indiana".
  2. Indiana Water Environment Association (HWEA): IWEA is a WEF member association "dedicated to preserving and protecting Indiana’s waterways through educating our members and the citizens of Indiana about the importance of our water environment".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via AIRW and IWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in IA are:

  1. Iowa Rural Water Association (IRWA). IRWA is an affiliate of the NRWA that exists "[t]o serve Iowa’s Public Water and Wastewater Systems by providing technical assistance, education, leadership in legal and legislative affairs, financial and economic growth, and excellence in the industry".
  2. Iowa Water Environment Association (IAWEA): IAWEA is a WEF member association with a mission to "connect and enrich the expertise of Iowa’s water environment professionals".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via IRWA and IAWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in KS are:

  1. Kansas Rural Water Association (KRWA). KRWA is an affiliate of the NRWA that exists to "[p]rovide education and leadership necessary to enhance the effectiveness of Kansas' water and wastewater utilities".
  2. Kansas Water Environment Association (KWEA): KWEA is a WEF member association with over 450 members "dedicated to preserving and enhancing the quality of water throughout the state of Kansas".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via KRWA and KWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in KY are:

  1. Clean Water Professionals of Kentucky and Tennessee (CWP-KT). CWP-KT is a WEF member association whose mission is to: "Boldly lead a professional community dedicated to safe and clean water through education, innovation, and advocacy."
  2. Kentucky Rural Water Association (KRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, KRWA's "...member utilities guarantee an enhanced quality of life for nearly ninety-five percent (95%) of the public drinking water and wastewater customers across the Commonwealth of Kentucky, making KRWA the largest utility organization of the state".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CWP-KT and KRWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in LA are:

  • Louisiana Rural Water Association (LRWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, LRWA "is a non-profit organization established in 1978 to assist small water and wastewater systems through training, on-site technical assistance, and state operator certification. Our assistance is geared toward the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems and to assist them in understanding the rules and regulations of said operation".
  • Lousiana Water Environment Association (LWEA). LWEA is a WEF member organization "dedicated to the protection, promotion and enhancement of the water environment". At this time, LWEA's online presence is only via their Facebook page.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via LRWA and LWEA are below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the organizational news items and learn about the types of programs available, such as:

Reach out to staff or the board to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations that cover ME are:

  • Maine Rural Water Association (MRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, MRWA provides "technical assistance and training to small water and wastewater utilities" in the state.
  • New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA): NEWEA is a WEF member organization with 2,100 members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont whose mission is to "promote education and collaboration while advancing knowledge, innovation, and sound public policy for the protection of the water environment and our quality of life".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via MRWA and NEWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources available on their websites and understand their program offerings, such as:

Reach out to staff, board, or committee members to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

There are three wastewater member associations in MD:

  1. Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA): CWEA is a WEF member association with membership "composed of professionals who operate and maintain wastewater treatment plants and collection systems; educators; engineers; scientists; designers, manufacturers, and representatives of wastewater treatment equipment; and members of local, state and federal governments".
  2. Maryland Rural Water Association (MRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, MRWA's mission is "to improve the quality of life in the rural communities of Maryland by helping our members provide clean, safe, affordable drinking water, and the proper treatment of wastewater to ensure the protection of the environment".
  3. Water and Waste Operators Association of Maryland, Delaware, and District of Columbia (WWOA): WWOA "represents water, wastewater and biosolids professionals in the Chesapeake Bay region" and is comprised of "professionals who are dedicated to improving the environment through the advancement of knowledge".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CWEA, MRWA, or WWOA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations that cover MA are:

  • Mass Rural Water Association (MassRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, MassRWA provides comprehensive technical training for water and wastewater operators, managers, and board members; on-site technical assistance; source protection and planning; and water and wastewater system mapping.
  • New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA): NEWEA is a WEF member organization with 2,100 members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont whose mission is to "promote education and collaboration while advancing knowledge, innovation, and sound public policy for the protection of the water environment and our quality of life".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via MassRWA and NEWEA are below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources available on their websites and understand their program offerings, such as:

Reach out to staff, board, or committee members to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in MI are:

  1. Michigan Rural Water Association (MRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, MRWA's mission is to "provide our water and wastewater utility members with resources, education, and networking in order to enhance the quality of services to those members’ customers".
  2. Michigan Water Environment Association (MWEA): MWEA is a WEF member association representing "more than 2,000 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan's water resources".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via MRWA and MWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in MN are:

  1. Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA): CSWEA is a WEF member association with members from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Its mission is to offer "multiple opportunities for the exchange of water quality knowledge and experiences among its members and the public and to foster a greater awareness of water quality achievements and challenges".
  2. Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, MRWA's mission is to "To provide the latest information, education, and technical assistance to protect our public waters and improve the quality of life in Minnesota."

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CSWEA and MRWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in MS are:

  1. Mississippi Rural Water Association (MsRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, MsRWA's mission is "to provide leadership, training programs, technical assistance and services to meet the needs of all our state’s utility members".
  2. Mississippi Water Environment Association (MWEA): A WEF member association, MWEA is "a professional, non-profit, technical and educational organization devoted to preservation and enhancement of the statewide water environment".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via MsRWA and MWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in MO are:

  1. Missouri Rural Water Association (MRWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, MRWA's mission is to "be the leading source of professional services, support, and representation for Missouri water and wastewater utilities".
  2. Missouri Water Environment Association (MWEA). MWEA is a WEF member association of over 800 water quality professionals "dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of water quality and water resources, and the relationship of these resources to the total environment".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via MRWA and MWEA are below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in MT are:

  1. Montana Rural Water Systems (MRWS). An affiliate of the NRWA, MRWS staff travels the State of Montana to provide the best possible training and assistance to its over 400 utility members.
  2. Montana Water Environment Association (MWEA). MWEA is a WEF member association that "strives to provide and enhance the knowledge base of its membership and the general public at large with respect to water quality enhancement".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via MRWS and MWEA are below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in NE are:

Specific ideas for connection with utilities via NeRWA or NWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Browse the resources available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in NV are:

  1. Nevada Rural Water Association (NvRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, NvWRA provides "water and wastewater technical assistance, and watershed protection coordination programs statewide".
  2. Nevada Water Environment Association (NWEA): NWEA is a WEF member association with over 300 members involved in municipal and industrial wastewater engineering, collection, analysis, treatment, operations, and disposal. Their "chief purpose is to educate and assist those who have an interest in water quality in [Nevada]."

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via NWEA and NvRWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations that cover NH are:

  • Granite State Rural Water Association (GSRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, GSRWA "provides training and technical assistance to water and wastewater systems throughout New Hampshire".
  • New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA): NEWEA is a WEF member organization with 2,100 members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont whose mission is to "promote education and collaboration while advancing knowledge, innovation, and sound public policy for the protection of the water environment and our quality of life".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via GSRWA and NEWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources available on their websites and understand their program offerings, such as:

Reach out to staff, board, or committee members to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in NJ are:

  1. New Jersey Water Association (NJWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, NJWA "was created for the benefit of water and wastewater systems large and small to assist with the challenges utilities face".
  2. New Jersey Water Environment Association (NJWEA): NJWEA is a WEF member association with a membership of 2800 engineers, operators, scientists , students and other professionals that "serve as leaders in the effort to preserve water quality, remediate historically contaminated sites, help industry to manage their water processes in a sustainable manner and educate the public on water quality issues".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via NJWA and NJWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

There are three wastewater member associations in NM:

  1. New Mexico Rural Water Association (NMRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, NMRWA's mission is to "provide the highest quality training and technical assistance to rural water and wastewater utilities throughout New Mexico, and to represent the legislative and regulatory interests of our members".
  2. New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association (NMWWA): NMWWA is a non-profit that operates to "assist in protecting the public health and the environment and preserving the investment of public funds in New Mexico by promoting proper design, construction, operation, performance evaluation, and management of water and wastewater utilities".
  3. Rocky Mountain Water Environment Association (RMWEA): RMWEA is a WEF member association with the goal of "fostering an environment of learning, networking, and enjoyment while providing value" to its members in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via NMRWA, NMWWA, and RMWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and news available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or board of directors to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in NY are:

  1. New York Rural Water Association (NYRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, NYWRA has over 1,400 members and "assists communities and systems to comply with complex regulations and to protect the public health and environment ... through on-site technical assistance, specialized training, and as a liaison to the government".
  2. New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA): NYWEA is a WEF member association that aims to protect public health and the environment through the activities of its seven geographic chapters.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via NYRWA and NYWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in NC are:

  1. North Carolina Rural Water Association (NCRWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, NCRWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping its members attain the highest standard in drinking water and wastewater service. Serving members statewide, NCRWA is governed by a volunteer ​Board of Directors from the association's membership. Members represent both community and non-community water and wastewater systems.
  2. North Carolina One Water (NC One Water). NC One Water, a volunteer association operating jointly under one Board of Trustees as a Section of the American Water Works Association and a WEF MA, is dedicated to providing water and wastewater education, training, and service in an effort to protect public health and the environment. They have over 2,500 members in North Carolina representing municipal and private utilities, consulting engineering firms, government agencies, companies that provide equipment and supplies to the industry, and representatives of academia who teach and conduct research in water and wastewater-related areas.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via NCWRA and NC One Water are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in OH are:

  1. Ohio Rural Water Association (ORWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, ORWA "provides technical assistance, education, and support services to water and wastewater utilities throughout Ohio".
  2. Ohio Water Environment Association (OWEA). OWEA is a WEF member association with "over 2000 members dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of our most precious natural resource ... WATER".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via ORWA and OWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in OK are:

  1. Oklahoma Rural Water Association (ORWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, ORWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting "water and wastewater systems with day-to-day operational and management problems".
  2. Oklahoma Water Environment Association (OWEA). OWEA is a WEF MA "dedicated to improving Oklahoma’s water environment through leadership, stewardship, collaboration, integrity, and passion".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via ORWA and OWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in OR are:

  1. Oregon Association of Water Utilities (OAWU): An affiliate of the NRWA, OAWU "offers on-site assistance in many areas, including Safe Drinking Water Act and Clean Water Act regulations, water treatment technology, distribution system operation and maintenance, and wastewater treatment and collection".
  2. Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA): PNCWA is a WEF member association "dedicated to education, dissemination of technical and scientific information, increased public understanding, and promotion of sound public laws and programs in the water resources and related environmental fields in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via OAWU and PNCWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in PA are:

  1. Pennsylvania Rural Water Association (PRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, PRWA focuses on working "cooperatively within the industry to support not only its members but all the water and wastewater utilities throughout the Commonwealth with professional technical support, certified training, legislative representation, and other valuable services and benefits.".
  2. Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA): PWEA is a WEF member association with the mission of "advancing Pennsylvania's water quality professionals through education and training, promoting sound sustainable water policies, and fostering public stewardship of our water resources".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via PRWA and PWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in PA are:

  1. Pennsylvania Rural Water Association (PRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, PRWA's mission "is to work cooperatively within the industry to support not only its members but all the water and wastewater utilities throughout the Commonwealth with professional technical support, certified training, legislative representation, and other valuable services and benefits".
  2. Pennsylvania Water Environment Association (PWEA): PWEA is a WEF member association whose mission is to advance "Pennsylvania's water quality professionals through education and training, promoting sound sustainable water policies, and fostering public stewardship of our water resources".

Although the City of Philadelphia is already closely connected with its very own water department, some PWEA activities might be of interest for understanding the wastewater industry more generally. These include:

The two major wastewater member associations that cover RI are:

  • New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA): NEWEA is a WEF member organization with 2,100 members from Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont whose mission is to "promote education and collaboration while advancing knowledge, innovation, and sound public policy for the protection of the water environment and our quality of life".
  • Rhode Island Rural Water Association (RIRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, RIRWA "provides training, technical assistance, and source water protection to the rural and small utilities in RI".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via NEWEA and RIRWA are below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources available on their websites and understand their program offerings, such as:

Reach out to staff, board, or committee members to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in SC are:

  1. South Carolina Rural Water Association (SCRWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, SCRWA "assists public ​and private water and wastewater systems statewide to ensure that the residents of South Carolina have access to clean water".
  2. Water Environment Association of South Carolina (WEASC). WEASC is a WEF member association that serves more than 3,000 members in 10 districts across SC. Their purpose is to "serve those whose vocation is the protection and preservation of the water environment, and by extension, to serve all those who enjoy the waters of South Carolina for recreation or refreshment". WEASC is one half of the South Carolina Water Associations. The other half is the South Carolina Section of the American Water Works Association, which focuses on drinking water.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via SCRWA and WEASC are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The major wastewater member associations in SD are:

  1. South Dakota Association of Rural Water Systems (SDARWS). An affiliate of the NRWA, SDARWS strives to "provide the highest quality services that meet the needs of and supports the collective efforts of our water and wastewater membership".
  2. South Dakota Water Environment Association (SDWEA). A WEF member association, the SDWEA "is dedicated to providing education, disseminating technical information, increasing public understanding and promoting sound public policy in the water environment field".
  3. South Dakota Water and Wastewater Association (SDWWA). An organization dedicated to "advance a course of instruction for those responsible for the operation of water and wastewater facilities, the general advancement of knowledge of the design, construction, operation, and management of water and wastewater facilities, and encouragement for a friendly exchange of information and experience among its members".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via SDARWS, SDWEA, and SDWWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in TN are:

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via CWP-KT and TAUD are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to board or committee members, or staff, to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in UT are:

  1. Rural Water Association of Utah (RWAU). An affiliate of the NRWA, RWAU's members represent 95% of Utah's water and wastewater systems and includes a membership base of public works superintendents, plant managers, certified operators, mayors, elected officials, and engineers. RWAU is "dedicated to promoting the success of rural water and wastewater systems throughout the state".
  2. Water Environment Association of Utah (WEAU). A WEF MA, WEAU is "dedicated to the professional growth of its members and the preservation and enhancement of the water environment".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via SCRWA and WEASC are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in VA are:

  1. Virginia Rural Water Association (VRWA). An affiliate of the NRWA, VRWA provides "professional development, assistance, and training for [their] members that enhances the proficiency of their operations through education and support services."
  2. Virginia Water Environment Association (VWEA). VWEA is a WEF member association with more than 1,675 members focused on producing quality programs for continuing education and training for our members, the technical community, and the general public.

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via VRWA and VWEA include:

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in WA are:

  1. Evergreen Rural Water of Washington (ERWoW): An affiliate of the NRWA, ERWoW "provides training and technical assistance to water and wastewater systems throughout Washington state".
  2. Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association (PNCWA): PNCWA is a WEF member association "dedicated to education, dissemination of technical and scientific information, increased public understanding, and promotion of sound public laws and programs in the water resources and related environmental fields in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via ERWoW and PNCWA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

There is one wastewater utility game in town in Washington DC: DC Water. DC Water is an active participant in the Chesapeake Water Environment Association (CWEA), which is the WEF MA for members in Delaware, Maryland, and Washington DC. CWEA's Annual Meeting is worth attending, and their Ecoletter is worth a read.

The two major wastewater member associations in WV are:

  1. West Virginia Rural Water Association (WVRWA), an affiliate of the NRWA.
  2. West Water Environment Association (VWEA). WVWEA is a WEF member association that aims to "assist and educate our membership in matters related to the wastewater industry by sponsoring classes throughout the state and by helping our members in all areas of the operations of their facilities".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via WVRWA and WVWEA include:

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings:

The two major wastewater member associations in WI are:

  1. Central States Water Environment Association (CSWEA): CSWEA is a WEF member association with members from Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Its mission is to offer "multiple opportunities for the exchange of water quality knowledge and experiences among its members and the public and to foster a greater awareness of water quality achievements and challenges".
  2. Wisconsin Rural Water Association (WRWA): An affiliate of the NRWA, WRWA focuses on "assisting, educating and representing [their] members in the water and wastewater industries".

Specific ideas for connecting with utilities via WRWA and CSWEA are provided below.

Attend one of their workshops or conferences, such as:

Read through the resources and publications available on their websites, such as:

Reach out to staff or committees to introduce yourself and/or ask to sit in on meetings: