National Rural Water Association

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National Rural Water Association

The National Rural Water Association (NRWA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and training to rural water and wastewater utilities across the United States. Established in 1976, the NRWA represents over 31,000 small and rural water and wastewater systems, serving communities with populations of 10,000 or less.

History

The NRWA was founded in response to the growing need for technical assistance and training for rural water systems. The organization was created to ensure that rural communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services. Over the years, the NRWA has expanded its services and programs to address the evolving needs of rural water utilities.

Mission

The mission of the NRWA is to provide training, technical assistance, and advocacy to rural water and wastewater utilities. The organization aims to ensure that rural communities have access to safe, clean, and affordable water and wastewater services.

Programs and Services

The NRWA offers a variety of programs and services to support rural water and wastewater utilities, including:

• Training and Technical Assistance: The NRWA provides training and technical assistance to help rural water and wastewater systems comply with federal and state regulations, improve operations, and enhance the skills of their workforce.
• Advocacy: The NRWA advocates on behalf of rural water and wastewater utilities at the federal, state, and local levels. The organization works to influence legislation and policies that impact rural water systems.
• Source Water Protection: The NRWA promotes source water protection initiatives to safeguard drinking water sources from contamination.
• Emergency Response: The NRWA assists rural water and wastewater systems in preparing for and responding to emergencies, such as natural disasters and infrastructure failures.

Membership

Membership in the NRWA is open to rural water and wastewater utilities, as well as individuals and organizations that support the mission of the NRWA. Members benefit from access to training, technical assistance, and advocacy services, as well as networking opportunities with other rural water professionals.

Affiliates

The NRWA works closely with its state affiliates, which are independent, state-based organizations that provide support and services to rural water and wastewater utilities within their respective states. These state affiliates play a crucial role in delivering NRWA programs and services at the local level.

Annual Events

The NRWA hosts several annual events, including the WaterPro Conference, which brings together rural water professionals from across the country for training, networking, and professional development. The organization also holds an annual Rural Water Rally in Washington, D.C., where members advocate for rural water issues with federal lawmakers.

See Also

• Drinking water
• Wastewater treatment
• Water supply network
• Water quality
• Environmental Protection Agency