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Uncover helpful tools and solutions to support your operations based on your role and responsibilities. Connect with fellow operators, engineers, students and other water professionals — just like you — to share knowledge and improve your day-to-day, as we collectively protect the world’s most vital resource.
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Beyond The Replacement Era
AWWA Report Finds Rising Drinking Water Infrastructure Costs and Other Needs Put Affordability at Risk
A new report, Beyond the Replacement Era: Balancing Compounding Infrastructure Needs with Household Affordability, released by AWWA, finds that addressing U.S. drinking water infrastructure and other critical needs will require $2.1-$2.4 trillion over the next 25 years, testing the limits of water affordability.
This groundbreaking report provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of the investments needed to sustain safe, reliable drinking water service through 2050.
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Connect With Professionals, Gain Knowledge, & Improve Operations
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Annual Conference & Expo
Join water heroes at one of the largest and most important global water gatherings.
June 21-24, 2026
Washington, D.C.
Water Infrastructure Conference
The Water Infrastructure Conference features the latest science, technology, and solutions.
August 30-September 2, 2026
Indianapolis, IN
AWWA & Water Community Updates
From regulatory updates to thought leadership articles, find the latest insights.
Regulatory Updates
Trends in the Industry from AWWA Publications
Infrastructure and affordability report
AWWA released a new infrastructure and affordability report called, Beyond the Replacement Era, which examines the rising costs of sustaining essential infrastructure along with several additional cost drivers.
Key takeaways from the report include:
The water sector has entered a new cost era.
There is a persistent and growing funding gap.
Household drinking water bills are likely to more than double.
Affordability is at a tipping point.
Core federal infrastructure loan programs are critical.
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Advisory encouraging water systems to bolster cybersecurity
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued the following advisory encouraging water systems to bolster their cybersecurity following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
Following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas in Israel, Iran-based entities targeted American water systems using Israeli-made security equipment and may again as a response to recent activities in the region.
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Download 2026 Drinking Water Week materials
Materials for the 2026 Drinking Water Week, which is May 3-9, celebration are available for download on AWWA’s website. These resources are designed to engage anyone with information about the quality and reliability of drinking water, while celebrating the dedicated professionals who manage it from source to tap. Initial campaign materials include logos and suggested social media posts. More materials will be added in the coming weeks.
Read More
Infrastructure and affordability report
AWWA released a new infrastructure and affordability report called, Beyond the Replacement Era, which examines the rising costs of sustaining essential infrastructure along with several additional cost drivers.
Key takeaways from the report include:
The water sector has entered a new cost era.
There is a persistent and growing funding gap.
Household drinking water bills are likely to more than double.
Affordability is at a tipping point.
Core federal infrastructure loan programs are critical.
Read More
Advisory encouraging water systems to bolster cybersecurity
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued the following advisory encouraging water systems to bolster their cybersecurity following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran.
Following the Oct. 7, 2023 attack by Hamas in Israel, Iran-based entities targeted American water systems using Israeli-made security equipment and may again as a response to recent activities in the region.
Read More
Download 2026 Drinking Water Week materials
Materials for the 2026 Drinking Water Week, which is May 3-9, celebration are available for download on AWWA’s website. These resources are designed to engage anyone with information about the quality and reliability of drinking water, while celebrating the dedicated professionals who manage it from source to tap. Initial campaign materials include logos and suggested social media posts. More materials will be added in the coming weeks.
Read More
Aesthetics and Consumer Satisfaction: Updating EPA’s Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCLs) have not been updated since they were first published in 1979, while water professionals’ understanding of the science and engineering related to aesthetic issues has expanded.
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Operators Need to Know Key Aspects of Distribution System Integrity
Understanding how factors affect distribution system integrity can help operators better implement and maintain preventive actions to control their systems.
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Letter to the Editor
Division of Drinking Water, California State Water Resources Control Board. (May 2023) Initial statement of reasons for the Hexavalent Chromium Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) Regulation.
Division of Drinking Water, California State Water Resources Control Board (June 2024) Supplemental Appendix: Centralized Treatment Cost Estimate Methodology.
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Aesthetics and Consumer Satisfaction: Updating EPA’s Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels
The US Environmental Protection Agency’s secondary maximum contaminant levels (SMCLs) have not been updated since they were first published in 1979, while water professionals’ understanding of the science and engineering related to aesthetic issues has expanded.
Read More
Operators Need to Know Key Aspects of Distribution System Integrity
Understanding how factors affect distribution system integrity can help operators better implement and maintain preventive actions to control their systems.
Read More
Letter to the Editor
Division of Drinking Water, California State Water Resources Control Board. (May 2023) Initial statement of reasons for the Hexavalent Chromium Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) Regulation.
Division of Drinking Water, California State Water Resources Control Board (June 2024) Supplemental Appendix: Centralized Treatment Cost Estimate Methodology.
Read More
Standards Written & Maintained by Experts
Stay current with the state of the industry through AWWA Standards. Since our first standard was published in 1908, we continue to publish standards to help the water community evolve with changing times. Now, with more than 200+ standards produced to-date, trust AWWA Standards for credibility, quality assurance, and a true industry-wide consensus.
AWWA Standards address all products and processes related to the water industry. From source to storage, from treatment and distribution, our ever-growing repository of resources keeps water professionals aware of minimum requirements and operating safely.
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Collaborating For the Future of Water
AWWA’s Water 2050 initiative will establish a long-term vision for the future of water. Through collaborative, intentional and inclusive discourse, we will chart a prosperous path for the water community. Water 2050 will foster partnerships and cross-sector collaboration that extend beyond our industry to benefit the global community.
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Comprehensive & Authoritative Materials
Knowledge flows like water — constantly evolving. Explore AWWA publications and stay ahead in the dynamic world of water.
M61 Desalination of Seawater
This manual provides technical and planning guidance for drinking water utilities that currently operate, are developing, or are considering desalination facilities.
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M1 Principles of Water Rates, Fees, and Charges
As issues associated with water rates and charges continues to evolve, so must the utilities approach to selecting and communicating their rates, charges, and pricing policies.
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Customer Service Training Program — Facilitator Handbook 3-Day Bundle
AWWA’s Customer Service Training Program provides both facilitator guidebooks and corresponding student guidebooks to complete on-site, face-to-face training.
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Water Treatment Operator Training Handbook Fourth Edition
Producing and delivering the highest quality drinking water takes training, knowledge, and attention to detail. Water operators do it every day with the top training and best practices they get from this popular handbook.
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Resilience Through Cyber-Informed Engineering: An Engineering and Operations Approach to Cybersecurity
Water and wastewater systems are increasingly reliant on digital technologies—yet many remain vulnerable to cyber threats that could disrupt essential services. Cyber-Informed Engineering (CIE) empowers utility leaders, engineers, operators, and planners to design and operate infrastructure that anticipates and withstands these risks. By integrating cybersecurity into core engineering practices, CIE strengthens resilience, protects public health, and ensures continuity of service for communities across the “One Water” sector.
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Wastewater Microbiology: A Handbook for Operators
Operators play a vital role in protecting public health and the environment—and understanding the biology behind wastewater treatment is essential to that mission. Microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa, metazoa, algae, and fungi are the engines of pollutant removal, working at every stage from preliminary screening to advanced disinfection. With updated guidance reflecting today’s regulatory standards and treatment challenges, this edition empowers operators to manage biological systems with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
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M80 Biological Drinking Water Treatment
Biological treatment processes are a sustainable method for removing an array of both inorganic and organic contaminants from water.
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The Safe Drinking Water Act Turns 50: A Collection of Articles from Journal AWWA
The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was signed into law on December 16, 1974, which makes 2024 the 50th anniversary of the original statute. In honor of 50 years since the passing of the SDWA, the American Water Works Association is excited to celebrate this significant milestone with the publication of this commemorative book.
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What Operators Need to Know: Fundamentals for the Water Professional
The goal of this book is to take large topics and break them down into basics that even new operators can understand. Operator licensing courses throughout the United States often focus on the “what”—mostly the specifics within a state’s administrative code (law) that operators need to know to meet compliance. This book goes much deeper, and in simple terms, looks at the “why” behind the “what.”
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AWWA F111-25 Ultraviolet Disinfection Systems for Wastewater Effluent
The purpose of this standard is to provide a minimum set of requirements for UV systems for wastewater treatment. This standard is intended to assist with the design, procurement, installation, and commissioning of UV disinfection systems.
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Water Basics for Decision Makers: Local Officials’ Guide to Water & Wastewater Systems, Second Edition
Water and wastewater utilities are the backbone of public health, economic development, and environmental protection. As expectations rise and challenges evolve—from regulatory shifts to infrastructure aging and workforce transitions—utility leaders must be equipped to navigate complexity with clarity and purpose. This revised edition of Water Basics for Decision Makers empowers public officials, managers, and operators with foundational knowledge and forward-looking insights to deliver safe, sustainable, and equitable service in a rapidly changing world.
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M45 Fiberglass Pipe Design, Fourth Edition
The manual covers fiberglass pipe and fitting products and certain appurtenances and their application to practical installations, whether of a standard or special nature.
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Plain Talk About Drinking Water, Sixth Edition
The first edition of this book was published more than 30 years ago. The goal of that book was to provide explanations for some of the questions that surround drinking water. Where does my tap water come from? How is it treated? Why does ice float? And to explain these things and more, in simple but factual language—using “plain talk.”
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M36 Water Audits and Loss Control
Each year millions of gallons of water are lost to leakage, meter error, and water theft – impacting a utilities bottom line. This manual paired with AWWA’s free Water Audit Software gives you everything you need to greatly improve your water loss program.
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Water Distribution Operator Training Handbook
AWWA’s most popular handbook for distribution operator personnel is an indispensable reference for operators and supervisors alike on water distribution system operation and equipment.
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AWWA Small Systems Field Guide: Water and Wastewater
Operators of small water systems do it all — O&M, management, sampling, customer service, everything. This field guide may be the handiest book ever written for these unsung heroes of public health protection.
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M12 Simplified Procedures for Water Examination
Reliable water quality testing forms the basis for regulatory compliance and ensures the best possible quality drinking water for the community. This manual provide 30 common lab tests for process control in drinking water production.
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Forecasting Urban Water Demand, Second Edition
Practical, detailed approaches for developing accurate water demand forecasts.
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Design-Build for Water and Wastewater Projects
Complete guide to planning, procuring, and executing design-build projects for water and wastewater systems.
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The Story of Drinking Water, Sixth Edition
Kids in grades 4–6 learn about water in this fun, colorful booklet that tells the fascinating story of water and water treatment. An ideal handout for plant tours, school visits, and Drinking Water Week.
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M56 Nitrification Prevention and Control in Drinking Water, Third Edition
This manual offers current and practical approaches to nitrification prevention and response to a nitrification episode in chloraminated drinking water distribution systems.
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Let’s Talk Safety: 52 Talks on Common Utility Safety Practices for Water Professionals
Let’s Talk Safety is designed to help you build awareness of potential work hazards and provide safety practices that help mitigate those hazards. Talking to your employees about their safety and listening to their safety concerns and experiences are the foundation to building an effective safety culture. Let’s Talk Safety takes the work out of your safety meetings by giving you 52 short briefings tailored specifically for water utility employees, plus links to additional resources.
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Reliable, In-Depth Resources
Understand the current state of the water community and work toward a sustainable future state with resources from AWWA. Engineers, operators, utility managers, and other water professionals rely on our resources when they need credible, understandable information.
Whether you are a student just starting your career or a seasoned professional, our interactive tools, insights and programs expand your knowledge and prepare you for what is to come.
Interactive Tools
Learn how to optimize operational performance, inform management decisions, standardize tasks and more with the support of AWWA’s interactive tools.
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Industry Insights
Explore thought leadership on key issues and opportunities from AWWA’s knowledgeable industry partners and supporters.
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Programs
Learn about standards, benchmarking, leadership programs, pro-bono engineering consulting opportunities for underserved communities, and the Partnerships for Safe and Clean Water. Optimize your utility, discover growth opportunities and drive an impact with AWWA programs.
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Supporting the Next Generation of Water Professionals
Water Equation is an initiative of AWWA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Our efforts help fund workforce advancement, scholarships, young professionals, pro-bono engineering and consulting services for underserved communities, and leadership programs. Water Equation is committed to fulfilling the critical need to ensure that the water community has the necessary workforce to provide clean and safe water to communities worldwide.
The future of clean and safe water depends on a strong workforce and collaborative partnerships. When you donate to Water Equation, 100% of your contribution funds programs dedicated to the water workforce and closing the improved infrastructure access gap.
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