New England Water Works Association

What New England Water Works Association does

New England Water Works Association (NEWWA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit member association founded in 1882 and headquartered in Holliston, Massachusetts. It serves drinking water professionals across six New England states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont — and is described in its own materials as the largest and oldest water works association in the region. Its primary constituents are municipal and private water utilities, consulting engineers, equipment manufacturers and distributors, state drinking-water regulators, and academic researchers operating in the drinking-water profession.

The association's core products are accredited continuing education, professional certifications, conferences, and publications. It offers 200+ training courses annually through IACET-accredited programs, including drinking water operator licensing preparation, backflow prevention device tester certification, and cross-connection control surveyor certification. The technology stack centers on a third-party Brightspace (D2L) Learning Management System — implemented through 2024 — that delivers in-person, virtual, and hybrid training supported by three classrooms at the Holliston campus, an in-house water quality laboratory, a library, and a distribution training laboratory, with on-site satellite training offered across the region. Two flagship conferences anchor the calendar: the Spring Joint Regional Conference, drawing 3,500+ attendees and 230+ vendors, and the smaller Annual Conference with 350-400 attendees. NEWWA also publishes the Journal of the New England Water Works Association (continuous since 1886), The Source newsletter, and Currents, alongside a mentoring program (since 2008) connecting 80+ mentees with 50+ mentors.

Revenue is generated from six streams rather than a single source: Individual, Utility, and Service Provider membership dues; course and training fees; conference registration and exhibitor booth revenue; tiered sponsorships (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum) from 80+ industry sponsors; backflow practical-exam and certification fees; and scholarship fundraising. The association is governed by a board of utility executives, consultants, and academic representatives from across the six-state region and reports combined staff tenure of 158 years of association service. NEWWA holds no equity funding and discloses no financials.

Name

New England Water Works Association

Legal name

New England Water Works Association, Inc.

Website

https://newwa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1882

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

New England Water Works Association, founded 1882, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit association serving drinking water professionals across six New England states through IACET-accredited training, certifications, two annual conferences, and industry publications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Water Quality Monitoring, Compliance & Reporting (Sampling, Lab, Regulatory) (EUANAAAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH) (BPAGABAC), Water & Wastewater Compliance (NPDES/Stormwater, Pretreatment, Drinking Water/SDWA) (EUAHABAB)

Keywords

• Drinking water training
• Water operator certification
• Backflow prevention programs
• Water industry conferences
• Professional association services

Headquarters

HQ city

Maussane

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: NEWWA generates revenue through membership dues categorized by Individual (operators, retirees, students), Utility (categorized by number of service connections), and Service Provider (categorized by gross annual sales) levels. A special 3-in-1 Student Membership priced at $30/year provides enrollment in multiple associations.
2. Training and Course Fees: NEWWA offers more than 200 training courses annually across distribution, treatment, water resources, backflow prevention, safety, security, and management. Courses are offered in-person, virtual, and hybrid formats. Discounted rates are available to members. Revenue also comes from exam prep courses and licensing programs.
3. Conference and Event Revenue: NEWWA hosts two major conferences annually: the Spring Joint Regional Conference (3,500+ attendees, 230+ exhibitor booths) and the Annual Conference (350-400 attendees, 4-day event). Additional revenue comes from specialty symposia, membership meetings, and social events, including exhibitor booth fees and registration fees.
4. Sponsorship Revenue: Companies sponsor NEWWA at tiered levels (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum). Sponsorship benefits include website listing and link, contact listing on Water Works calendar, recognition at both major conferences, booth discounts, newsletter acknowledgment, and other level-based perks.
5. Backflow Certification and Testing Fees: NEWWA charges fees for backflow prevention device inspector/tester certification exams and cross connection control surveyor certification. Recertification involves a practical exam fee of $200 (application fee included). State-specific certifications are also offered.
6. Scholarship Fundraising: NEWWA awards approximately $25,000 annually in scholarships funded through donations to specific scholarship funds or the general NEWWA fund. Donations support George E. Watters Memorial Scholarship, Francis X. Crowley Scholarship, Kenneth Knowlton Operators Memorial Education Scholarship, and others.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

NEWWA is a 501(c)(3) member association that delivers accredited training courses, professional certifications, and industry conferences for the drinking water profession across the six New England states. Its core offerings include 200+ annual training courses in distribution, treatment, water resources, backflow prevention, and safety; drinking water operator licensing exam preparation; backflow prevention device inspector and cross connection control surveyor certification programs; two major annual conferences and specialty symposia; publications including the Journal (since 1886); and a mentoring and scholarship program.

Product overview

NEWWA is a member association serving the drinking water profession across six New England states (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT). Founded in 1882, it is the largest and oldest water works association in New England. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of products and services centered around accredited training and professional development: over 200 training courses annually covering distribution, treatment, water resources, cross connection, backflow prevention, safety, and management; drinking water operator certification and licensing exam preparation; specialized backflow prevention and cross connection control certification programs; excavation safety and backhoe licensing training; and online learning via its Learning Management System (Brightspace). NEWWA also hosts major events including the Annual Conference each September and the Spring Joint Regional Conference & Exhibition (3,500+ attendees), plus specialty symposia. The organization publishes The Journal (since 1886), The Source, and Currents newsletters; maintains a Career Center; offers a Mentoring Program; awards approximately $25,000 annually in scholarships; and operates a Sponsor Program with tiered membership levels.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• NEWWA Membership (Individual, Utility, Service Provider tiers)
• Accredited Training Courses
• Drinking Water Operator Certification & Licensing Exam Preparation
• Backflow Prevention Device Inspector/Tester Certification Program
• Cross Connection Control Surveyor Certification Program
• Excavation Safety & Backhoe/Front-End Loader Licensing Program
• NEWWA Annual Conference
• Spring Joint Regional Conference & Exhibition
• Specialty Symposia
• NEWWA Publications (The Journal, The Source, Currents)
• Mentoring Program
• Scholarship Program
• Sponsor Program
• Online Learning Portal (Brightspace LMS)
• Contract Training
• Free Online Learning Courses
• Career Center

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 200 training courses offered per year across six New England states
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered platinum, gold, silver, core and minor.

• Core & MainplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerCore & Main is a Platinum Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 1 Hartford Square, New Britain, CT 06052. As a Platinum sponsor, Core & Main receives prominent listing on NEWWA's website, contact listing on Water Works calendar, recognition at both Annual Conference and Spring Conference & Exhibition, and $50 booth discount at Spring Conference.
• EJ PrescottplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerEJ Prescott is a Platinum Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 32 Prescott Street, Gardiner, ME 04345. As a Platinum sponsor, EJ Prescott receives website listing, Water Works calendar contact listing, recognition at both major conferences, and booth discount at Spring Conference.
• McWane Group (McWane Waterworks)platinumGTM or Marketing PartnerMcWane Group (operating McWane Waterworks) is a Platinum Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 902 S. 2nd Street, Oskaloosa, IA 52577, with contact phone (603) 944-7479. Receives Platinum-level sponsor benefits including recognition at both conferences.
• Ti SALESplatinumGTM or Marketing PartnerTi SALES is a Platinum Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 36 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA 01776, (800) 225-4616. Thomas Garrity, Director of Sales at TiSALES, serves as President-Elect on NEWWA's Board of Directors.
• AECOMgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerAECOM is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 250 Apollo Drive, Chelmsford, MA 01824. As a Gold sponsor, AECOM receives website listing and conference recognition.
• CDM SmithgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerCDM Smith is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 75 State Street, Suite 701, Boston, MA 02109. Michael Pelletier, P.E., PMP, ENV SP, Senior Project Manager at CDM Smith, serves as Assistant Treasurer on NEWWA's Board.
• ARCADISgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerARCADIS is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 500 Edgewater Drive, Suite 511, Wakefield, MA 01880. Receives Gold-level sponsor benefits including website listing and conference recognition.
• Weston & SampsongoldGTM or Marketing PartnerWeston & Sampson is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA and the 2025 Sponsor of the Year. Located at 55 Walkers Brook Drive, Suite 100, Reading, MA 01867. Margaret McCarthy, P.E., Vice President and Drinking Water Infrastructure Practice Leader at Weston & Sampson, serves as Director-At-Large on NEWWA's Board.
• Hazen and SawyergoldGTM or Marketing PartnerHazen and Sawyer is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 24 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110. Receives Gold-level sponsor benefits including website listing and conference recognition.
• Woodard & CurrangoldGTM or Marketing PartnerWoodard & Curran is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 40 Shattuck Rd., Suite 110, Andover, MA 01810. Rob Little, P.E., Drinking Water Market Leader at Woodard & Curran, serves as Massachusetts State Director on NEWWA's Board.
• KleinfeldergoldGTM or Marketing PartnerKleinfelder is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at One Beacon St, Suite 8100, Boston, MA 02108. Kirsten Ryan, PG, Senior Project Manager and Hydrogeologist at Kleinfelder, serves as Director-At-Large on NEWWA's Board.
• StantecgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerStantec is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 65 Network Drive, Burlington, MA 01803. Receives Gold-level sponsor benefits including website listing and conference recognition.
• Apex Companies, LLCgoldGTM or Marketing PartnerApex Companies, LLC is a Gold Sponsor of NEWWA. Located at 1900 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 402, Quincy, MA 02169. Lauren Underwood serves as a NEWWA Mentoring Program Coordinator. Apex Companies LLC sponsors the NEWWA Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship.
• Brown and CaldwellsilverGTM or Marketing PartnerBrown and Caldwell is a Silver Sponsor of NEWWA. Marc Morin, P.E., Managing Principal/National Lead Municipal Tanks and Storage Facilities at Brown and Caldwell, serves as New Hampshire State Director on NEWWA's Board.
• International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEWWA is an approved Accredited Provider by IACET, holding the organization to strict ANSI/IACET standards that address processes for designing, developing, and delivering continuing education and training. IACET accreditation is internationally recognized as a standard for quality continuing education.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEWWA received its first training grant from the U.S. EPA in 1978. The Basic Training for Drinking Water Board Members/Commissioners course was developed via a grant with the U.S. EPA. NEWWA has also expanded training related to the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• State WARN Networks (CT WARN, MA WARN, ME WARN, NH WARN, RI WARN, VT WARN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEWWA facilitates connections to state Water and Wastewater Agency Response Networks (WARNs) across all six New England states. These networks enable utilities to provide and receive emergency aid and assistance in the form of personnel, equipment, and materials during natural or human-caused incidents.
• Water Information Sharing and Analysis Center (WaterISAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWaterISAC was authorized by Congress in 2002 and created and managed by the water sector. NEWWA connects members to WaterISAC, which keeps drinking water and wastewater utility managers informed about potential risks from contamination, terrorism, and cyber threats.
• New England Stormwater CollaborativeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe New England Stormwater Collaborative was formed by NEWWA, New England Water Environment Association, and New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association. The collaborative works to engage the stormwater community, provide a forum for information and education exchange, and advocate sound stormwater management practices. It awards three annual 'Stormy Awards' for best stormwater management ideas.
• Partnership for Safe WaterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Partnership for Safe Water is an alliance of six prestigious drinking water organizations. NEWWA is a member, offering self-assessment and optimization programs to help operators improve performance above and beyond proposed regulatory levels.
• Ductile Iron Pipe Research AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEWWA partners with the Ductile Iron Pipe Research Association to deliver the 'Making the Most of Your Ductile Iron Pipe' course covering manufacture, features, design, installation, safety, corrosion control, thrust restraints, and horizontal directional drilling.
• New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEWWA partners with NEWEA through the 3-in-1 Student Membership program, which enrolls students as members of both associations plus the New England American Public Works Association, Water Environment Federation, and American Public Works Association for $30/year. Both associations also co-form the New England Stormwater Collaborative.
• New England American Public Works AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNEWWA partners with the New England Chapter of the American Public Works Association through the 3-in-1 Student Membership and the New England Stormwater Collaborative.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• National Rural Water Association: National nonprofit federation supporting state rural water associations with training, technical assistance, and certification. Competes for small-system operator training and certification opportunities across regions.
• American Water Works Association (AWWA): The national trade association for the drinking water profession, AWWA is the direct macro-level peer to NEWWA — providing training, publications, certification, and conferences at national scale. NEWWA is effectively a regional chapter/peer in the AWWA ecosystem.
• American Public Works Association (APWA): National association for public works professionals, including water infrastructure. New England chapter is a NEWWA partner in the student 3-in-1 membership; competes for some training and certification mindshare in the water works space.

Others

• Partnership for Safe Water: Multi-organization alliance of which NEWWA is a member, focused on water treatment optimization above regulatory standards. Operates as a peer program delivering training and self-assessment that intersects with NEWWA's content.
• WaterISAC: Water-sector information sharing and analysis center for security and threat intelligence, with which NEWWA has a strategic partnership. Adjacent in mission to NEWWA's emergency preparedness training and committee work.

Direct peers

• Water Environment Federation (WEF): National water-quality professional association offering training, certification, publications, and member events. Bundled with NEWWA in the 3-in-1 Student Membership program, demonstrating direct overlap in audience and water-sector professional development.
• New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA): NEWWA's closest regional peer, covering wastewater professionals across the same six New England states. The two co-offer student memberships, co-host the New England Stormwater Collaborative, and serve overlapping utility and consulting audiences.
• Pacific Northwest Section of AWWA (PNWS-AWWA): Large regional AWWA section serving drinking water professionals across WA, OR, ID, MT, and AK with similar training, certification, and conference programs — the closest analog in operating model outside New England.

Emerging players

• American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA): National organization dedicated specifically to backflow prevention and cross-connection control — directly overlapping with NEWWA's most differentiated certification programs.

Regional players

• California Water Environment Association (CWEA): California-based state water association offering training, certification, and conferences for water/wastewater professionals; comparable regional scale and structure but serving a different geography.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights8 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/newaterworks

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles18 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about New England Water Works Association