History FSAWWA

Untitled Document

History, Mission Statement and Goals

History and Membership
Established in 1881 by 22 dedicated water supply professionals, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has grown to a membership of over 57,000 individuals, utilities and other organizations. AWWA is an international, nonprofit, scientific, and educational association dedicated to improving drinking water for people everywhere. From its modest beginnings more than 100 years ago, AWWA has expanded to become the largest organization of water supply professionals in the world, with members in virtually every country. The Florida Section of AWWA (FSAWWA) is the premier water association in Florida. Our 2,771 members include 130 utility members that collectively supply potable water to more than 80 percent of the state's population. Utilities, scientists, educators, engineers, water plant operators, regulators, public officials, consultants, manufacturers, and consumers can be found among the active participants in the FSAWWA.

Mission Statement
The mission of FSAWWA is to assure present and future generations of Florida a sufficient supply of high quality drinking water. Toward that end, we have established the following objectives:

• Consumer confidence and satisfaction

• Safe, affordable and adequate drinking water through sound science

• Effective legislative and regulatory activities for the water community

• Prudent and responsible managerial, fiscal, and organizational strategies
to increase effectiveness of drinking water organizations

• FSAWWA as a leader of the drinking water community in Florida.

Strategic Plan
(to be provided after final approval)

Organization and Structure
The FSAWWA organization is governed by a board consisting of Chair, Past Chair, Chair Elect and Vice Chair, twelve regional vice chairs, three trustees-at-large, one AWWA Director, Treasurer, Secretary, General Policy Chair, non-voting Executive Director, and the leaders of the following five operating Councils:

Administrative Council (AC) - coordinates the internal activities of FSAWWA such as awards, membership, annual report publication, landmarks, and special events at the Section annual conference.

Manufacturers/Associates Council (MAC) - provides representation of MAC members in coordinating the Florida Section's annual conference and activities; provides assistance to other councils and board in establishing policy.

Public Affairs Council (PAC) - plans and coordinates public information, public relations and customer service programs and assists utilities in effective outreach and education activities for customers.

Technical and Education Council (TEC) - coordinates educational and technical programs involving scholarships, safety and online training, teleconferences, seminars and small systems.

Utility Council (UC) - provides a forum for discussion, development and implementation of activities regarding regulatory, legislative, and water policy issues that impact water utilities and their customers.

Regional Responsiveness
FSAWWA recognizes the value of understanding regional water issues and the need to provide information and foster communication at the local level. Currently twelve regional vice chairs provide leadership and coordination of all regional activities.

For Regional Map (click here)

How FSAWWA Can Help You
To help members, policy makers and the public, FSAWWA

• Serves as a direct link to AWWA, the authoritative resource for safe
drinking water

• Offers a pool of Florida water experts for groups seeking information or
advice regarding water issues and activities

• Represents the water utility community in developing State water policy,
legislation and regulation

• Conducts programs, forums and public education events to provide
information about drinking water issues

• Offers professional development opportunities such as conferences, online
training, teleconferences, seminars, symposiums and certification programs

• Publishes the Florida Water Resource Journal

• Provides access to national publications such as the AWWA Journal,
OpFlow, Mainstream and WaterWeek

• Offers discounts on AWWA resource materials, bookstore items, conferences
and conventions

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