The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is an international nonprofit scientific and educational society dedicated to the improvement of water quality and supply. AWWA is defined by six core competencies, through which we communicate and interact with all of our audiences. More information about each competency is available by clicking the links listed across the top of every page on the Web site. Together, the competencies distinguish AWWA as the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. Founded in 1881, AWWA is the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world. Its more than 57,000 members represent the full spectrum of the water community: treatment plant operators and managers, scientists, environmentalists, manufacturers, academicians, regulators, and others who hold genuine interest in water supply and public health. Membership includes more than 4,700 utilities that supply water to roughly 180 million people in North America.