The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is the world’s largest educational and scientific organization dedicated to a better world through better water. Approximately 50,000 association members work as community water providers, federal and state regulators, environmentalists, academics, scientists, consultants, engineers, and manufacturers. They reside in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. territories. Our 4,000 utility members serve 80 percent of the U.S. population. The association has proudly sponsored many of the educational programs, invested in research, and developed much of the scientific and technical information used to improve the quality of the water we drink. In other words, we provide total water solutions to effectively manage water, the world’s most important resource.

For more than a century, AWWA has pooled the expertise of its members to devise standards for equipment and technical processes that have enabled drinking water providers to overcome some of the most lethal threats to American public health. In 1999, the disinfection of public water supplies was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as one of the five most important public health achievements of the 20th Century. We strive to display excellence and integrity in our work in protecting public health and the environment.

As Congress considers initiatives to build upon these historic advances, AWWA is ready to provide Congress with the best information available on the state of drinking water today and the challenges that remain. Whether the issue is water quality, conservation, infrastructure, source water protection, contaminant listing, health research, or treatment practices, AWWA has materials and experts ready to assist you. Feel free to contact AWWA government affairs staff when your work turns to drinking water issues.