TFTT Report
NAWC Member Companies Address Needs Identified in AWWA’s State of the Water Industry Report
The American Water Works Association’s (AWWA) recent 2025 State of the Water Industry Report highlighted several critical challenges facing the water sector for which regulated, private water companies are uniquely positioned to offer effective solutions.
Capital Investments Identified as Top Priority
The AWWA report identifies infrastructure renewal as the #1 priority of water professionals in 2025. Aging infrastructure requires significant capital investment to ensure reliable service and water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified a drinking water investment need of $629 billion over the next 20 years to replace outdated pipes, improve treatment facilities and ensure safe, reliable water delivery.
With the 15 largest U.S. water companies collectively investing over $6 billion annually in community water systems, NAWC members are well positioned to help ensure local governments can address their water infrastructure needs without straining municipal budgets.
Nearly Half of Utility Professionals Very Concerned About PFAS
Meeting new treatment requirements was also a top priority of water professionals identified by AWWA. PFAS was identified as the top contaminant of concern, with nearly 45% of utility professionals indicating they are very to extremely concerned about these emerging contaminants.
Regulated, private water companies are investing in advanced treatment technologies and expertise to meet stringent water quality standards and address emerging contaminants like PFAS. Numerous examples from NAWC member companies, like Veolia’s opening of one of the largest PFAS treatment plants in the nation, demonstrate proactive remediation efforts.
Utility Professionals Say They Don’t Have Capacity or Expertise to Address Cyber Challenges
Cybersecurity vulnerabilities pose a significant risk to water systems, potentially disrupting service and compromising public health. The AWWA report found that three-quarters of utilities identified cybersecurity as very to critically important to their operations, but only 38% are currently working this objective.
NAWC members are water sector cybersecurity leaders and can provide the capacity and expertise to address concerns. The vast majority of NAWC members have a cybersecurity plan in place for their systems. These plans include robust firewalls, intrusion detection systems and employee training programs designed to prevent and mitigate cyber threats.
Additionally, NAWC has worked with key stakeholders to develop Cybersecurity Pillars to serve as guiding principles around cybersecurity, compliance and the sector’s path forward on this key issue. And NAWC hosts a biennial cybersecurity symposium that brings together the best minds in the industry to discuss challenges and collaborate on solutions.
40% of Utilities Don’t Fully Fund Workforce Training
There is a well-documented shortage of experienced skilled laborers entering the water industry, making workforce training even more vital for a sustainable water sector and ensuring that skilled professionals are available to operate and maintain complex water systems. While 40% of utility professionals in the AWWA survey said they can’t fully fund workforce training programs, regulated, private water companies offer comprehensive training and career development opportunities to attract and retain talented employees.
Building a Resilient Water Future Through Collaboration: A Shared Responsibility
The AWWA report underscores the need for strategic action to address the challenges facing the water sector. Regulated, private water companies offer financial resources, technical expertise and innovation to address these challenges and build a more resilient water future.
Collaboration with municipalities, regulators and other stakeholders is essential for developing effective solutions and ensuring that all communities have access to safe, reliable, and affordable water. NAWC member companies are committed to working in partnership with others to create a sustainable water future for generations to come.