Introduction
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and developing the highest standards of professional practice in the water and sewerage industry. We strive to promote best practices to protect public health and safety, as well as promote environmental responsibility.
The NWSCA serves as a resource for water and sewerage professionals, offering a network for sharing knowledge, experience and expertise. In addition to educational resources, we also provide networking and consulting services to further help advance professional practice:
- Networking
- Consulting services
Overview of the National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of public health and environmental protection by promoting effective and efficient water and sewer systems. Founded in 1980, NWSCA represents a broad spectrum of industry professionals, including consultants, designers, contractors, equipment manufacturers/suppliers, government representatives, utility partners and other private sector firms.
Through quality publications, workshops and conferences, NWSCA is committed to providing an ongoing educational forum for industry experts to share their collective knowledge on the latest challenges facing the water and wastewater industries. NWSCA also serves as an information-sharing resource for members by recognizing innovative solutions that lead to improved performance in the field.
From its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario Canada – NWSCA provides a range of services designed to support members throughout all aspects of their careers. These include:
- Professional development opportunities such as seminars, conferences and webinars;
- Access to exclusive member resources;
- Mentorship programs;
- Networking events;
- Discounts on job postings;
- Discounts on product purchases;
- Assistance with licensing exams;
- Discounted access to technical courses;
- Financial incentives for students entering the profession;
- Career advice services;
- Dispute resolution assistance between members or stakeholders;
- Professional representation at public meetings or hearings;
- among other advantages provided specifically to our members.
Whether you’re just starting out in your profession or looking to advance your career – membership with NWSCA connects you with a network of passionate professionals committed to excellence in all facets of the water supply industry.
Benefits of Membership
Membership in the National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCCA) provides many advantages to water and sewerage sector professionals. Our members have access to a wealth of information, support services, and representation when needed. If you take the time to consider the benefits offered by NWSCCA membership, you’ll quickly realize that joining is well worth the expense.
The main benefits of membership include:
- Extensive networking opportunities with other professionals in your field.
- Access to professional development initiatives such as conferences and training courses.
- Discounts on products and services related to your profession.
- Personal assistance in navigating regulatory changes or professional disputes.
- Recognition through awards programs or research projects.
- A voice with decision-makers in both the private and public sectors.
Our members also have access to our regular communication channels which include:
- A quarterly newsletter that has timely articles about developments in our industry.
- A comprehensive website featuring industry news as well as current job opportunities.
- Our social media channels that allow for discussion among members.
- An extensive set of online resources.
- An open mailing list for talking directly with others working in this space.
Lastly, NWSCCA membership puts you on the path towards professional certification from recognized outside bodies in your country or region.
By joining our organization, you can take advantage of all the aforementioned advantages plus get involved with our numerous activities such as projects aimed at improving water efficiency campaigns or helping develop best practices for managing waste disposal programs across different states or countries. As part of our mission of supporting water professionals worldwide, we believe that some of these experiences will help shape both yours’ – and other’s – careers substantially while directly contributing to wider public interests associated with environmental sustainability objectives!
History
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) was founded to support the interests of consultants supporting the water and sewerage industries. Established in 1962, the NWSCA has advanced the profession and provided continuing education opportunities for its members. Over the years, the NWSCA has grown to become a respected voice in the water and wastewater industry.
In this article, we will explore the history of the association and how it has evolved over the past decades.
Origins of the Association
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) was founded in 1973 as a non-profit organization with the mission of promoting safe and responsible water and sewerage delivery throughout North America. It was established as an independent body to provide both public and private sector assistance in addressing the growing wastewater infrastructure needs of the region.
The association is comprised of engineers, scientists, operatives and specialists from both the private sector and public administrations who have a commitment to strengthening water supply, wastewater management and related services. Initially formed to support regional water bodies by providing specialized expertise on matters such as compliance with local regulations, it soon expanded its scope to include chapters across Canada, United States, Mexico and two other countries in Central America.
Today NWSCA membership is made up of over 3,000 members dedicated to helping engage stakeholders around concerns related to water infrastructure systems. These members are actively involved in:
- Analyzing existing standards for reliability, suggesting proposed modifications for improving protection levels for health-related activities that depend on reliable delivery systems;
- Delivering economic solutions;
- Assisting with current technological advancements relevant to water infrastructure activities;
- Providing technical assistance with appropriate regulations governing operations;
- Gathering information pertinent to business objectives relating to utilities management; and
- Designing experiments linking academic research efforts into real-world experiences.
Milestones in the Association’s History
The National Water and Sewerage Consultants Association (NWSCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting high standards of professional practice in all areas of water and wastewater engineering and management. Founded in 1974, the NWSCA was created to bring together, recognize and cultivate quality practice in the field. In the years since its inception, the Association has grown substantially and continues to be an important venue for professionals working in water and wastewater engineering.
The Association has made several significant accomplishments over its long history. Here are some of the milestones achieved by this noted organization:
- 1974 – NWSCA founded at the University of Minnesota
- 1976 – The first edition of NWSCA’s Code of Ethics is published
- 1980 – The National Water Conference Series begins
- 1986 – The NWSCA Executive Council achieves recognition from FAA Division Councilors
- 1988 – The First Annual Symposium on Water and Wastewater Problems held in Las Vegas
- 1999 – NWSCA’s Educational Scholarships Program initiated
- 2000- NWSCA approved as an “Accreditation Agency” by American Society for Quality (ASQ)
- 2004- Strategic plan developed and adopted to guide Association efforts throughout the next decade
- 2009- Representatives attend UN World Water Forum in Istanbul
- 2017 – 10th Annual Symposium is held in Ankara, Turkey
Services
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) provides a wide range of services to its members. From technical guidance to business development services, the NWSCA is dedicated to helping its members find the best solutions for their needs.
The NWSCA offers members the opportunity to connect with each other, access to resources and training, and the chance to be part of a community of water and sewerage consultants from around the world.
In this article, we will explore the various services that the NWSCA currently offers:
Professional Development
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) provides a variety of services to members who specialize in water resource engineering, water and wastewater facilities design, ongoing operations and maintenance, municipal drinking water and sewer system planning, assessment and support for regulatory compliance for water systems.
Membership with the Association brings many benefits and professional development opportunities. NWSCA provides education programs that are non-biased along with workshops, seminars and training sessions aimed at keeping our members informed and up-to-date on best practices in their field as well as expanding their knowledge base.
Other educational services include:
- A library of printable technical materials (pdf downloads)
- Online courses designed to sharpen particular skillsets or advance in existing certification levels.
Additionally, professional development activities such as webinars, regional meetings and certification programs enhance member expertise while allowing them to stay connected with their peers in the industry. These various programs help maintain member-defined standards for excellence that have been set forth by the NWSCA.
Networking Opportunities
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) provides its members with numerous networking opportunities. Our members can connect with colleagues already working in the industry and share their knowledge and experience. Opportunities to mentor people wanting to join the industry are also available.
NWSCA conferences provide a wealth of information from subject-matter experts in the field of water and sewerage engineering. Working alongside these professionals also gives members an understanding of the construction process including relevant codes, regulations, industry practices, public health policy and reliable technology applications.
Members have access to a range of online services that support communication between each other, simplified project management tools for staff, bid documents for sub-contractors, regular legal updates and seminars on industry changes or developing trends. Additionally, NWSCA has a range of publications aimed at assisting members in making informed decisions when it comes to managing water and sewerage projects or staying ahead on various technical issues within the sector.
As part of our commitment to professional development and training, we offer a range of courses ranging from basic courses for engineers starting out in their careers all the way up to master’s classes for experienced professionals. By joining NWSCA one may benefit from exclusive discounts on course fees as well as earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits necessary to maintain their accreditation with relevant Institute associations where applicable.
Access to Resources
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) provides Members with access to resources to enhance their professional knowledge, abilities, and performance. These resources include but are not limited to:
- Professional training courses
- Seminars
- Conferences
- Research papers
- Educational materials
- Workforce development programs
- Technological updates
In addition to the services listed above NWSCA also provides onsite member-only advising services in specialized fields such as water reclamation engineering, storm water regulations compliance, pumping systems engineering etc.
To help ensure that members receive the utmost in professional service standards and technical expertise NWSCA invests heavily in research and studies conducted by its expert members who are handpicked from some of the best Universities and Organizations from around the world. This expertise is then imparted to members through publications that provide comprehensive insights and added value for their time spent as a part of NWSCA.
Members benefit from an ever-expanding network of fellow professionals with which to establish professional connections. As part of this member’s only network members gain access to:
- Industry events hosted by NWSCA
- Shared learning opportunities through online discussion forums made available to all its members community worldwide.
Membership
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) offers valuable membership and professional services to individuals and businesses in the water and sewerage sectors. Membership with the NWSCA gives members access to industry-related information, resources, networking opportunities, and education.
NWSCA’s membership is open to all professionals in the water and sewerage industries. The types of memberships available are detailed below:
Requirements for Membership
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) is dedicated to recognizing and certifying water and wastewater professionals, while promoting excellence in the field. Our two levels of certification, General Member and Certified Member, signify professional achievement among individuals who are dedicated to the advancement of public water services.
Prospective members must meet the requirements listed below in order to receive each level of membership.
General Membership: Open to all individuals interested in furthering the goals of water and sewerage consultancy, this non-certifying level allows for full participation in NWSCA activities, as well as discounts on NWSCA products & services. General Members must:
- Submit a completed application, including verification from an established form of identification.
- Agree to abide by the NWSCA Code of Ethics.
Certified Membership: Earning a Certified Member status from NWSCA is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated commitment & technical knowledge within their field via a combination of experience & advanced education specific to water systems engineering & consulting. Besides all benefits associated with General Membership status, Certified Members also enjoy any distinction that comes with this recognition from their peers and customers alike! To achieve Certified Member status one must:
- Be an active General Member in good standing.
- Submit sufficient proof of qualifications & experience (Minimum 5 years).
- Have obtained an accredited degree at college or university level.
Types of Membership
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) offers three types of membership, each with its own set of benefits and privileges. Depending on your individual needs and experience, you should select the membership type that best suits you.
- Associate Membership – Associate Members are non-professionals interested in water and sewerage engineering who wish to stay informed and contribute to the work of the NWSCA. As an Associate Member, you may participate in forums throughout the year which explore various current topics related to engineering practice.
- Affiliate Membership – Affiliate Members are those who have professional qualifications or status in other fields related to the practice of water and sewerage engineering. An NWSCA Affiliate Member becomes entitled to all privileges offered by other members, including access to specialist resource materials held by NWSCA, as well as invitations to conferences, seminars and webinars. Affiliate Membership also entitles members to discounts on publications, special issues or documents whether printed or electronic.
- Full Membership – Full Membership is restricted to persons eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer with a regulating body in their respective country of residence. Full Members are entitled to take part in all areas of organizational activities such as educational programs for continuing professional development (CPD), networking events, career counseling sessions and more. Again, members receive discounts from approved suppliers when purchasing books from accredited publishers or related items from other suppliers approved by NWSCA.
Benefits of Membership
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) provides its members with a range of benefits designed to help them stay informed and connected.
Benefits of membership include:
- Access to our comprehensive library
- Discounted rates for product purchases
- Access to regional events
- Opportunities to network with industry professionals
Members also receive:
- Regular updates on changes in Government legislation affecting the water industry
- Advocates for members in a proactive way by means of lobbying at national level for water related issues
- Participates in the development of standards and regulations within the framework of national laws and regulations
- Provides legal advice when necessary
- Custom-made news services that cater to industry-specific developments
- Organizes conferences, lectures, symposia, practical training sessions and seminars about water related issues
In addition to these benefits all members are eligible for preferential fees with Training Institutes who offer accredited educational programs. NWSCA also provides exclusive offers on continuing professional education (CPE) courses developed specifically for our members, giving members an opportunity to gain further qualifications or maintain existing ones.
NWSCA is committed to connecting professionals in all water related sectors while providing opportunities to improve performance through technical excellence and understanding. Our goal is simply put: To be the leading international association representing consultants operating and delivering services within the water sector.
Conclusion
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) has been providing its members with a range of services since its formation in 1975. We have seen that the NWSCA has managed to bridge the gap between professionals in the field and the public. Through its numerous conferences and seminars, the NWSCA has given its members access to the latest developments in water and sewerage development. This has enabled members to better serve their clients and community.
This report will look at the conclusion of the NWSCA and what the future of the association holds.
Summary of the National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) is a professional industry organization created to promote, support and advance the practice of water and sewerage consulting. It was launched in 2011 to gather expert opinion from members of the water industry, identify key challenges faced by practitioners, provide guidance and strategic direction on water-related solutions, and encourage collaboration between stakeholders.
The NWSCA provides its members with educational offerings including conferences, seminars, workshops and webinars. The organization has also established training programs which cover topics such as:
- Wastewater management systems
- Operations management
- Cost reduction methods
- Stormwater system design and implementation
- Regulatory compliance issues
- Financial analysis tools
- Asset management solutions
- Water supply sector developments
- Sustainability measures
- Public engagement strategies
- Sustaining customer service quality
In addition, the NWSCA hosts regular meetings both nationally and regionally to keep members informed on emerging trends in the industry.
For those looking for guidance on a particular problem in their area or an introductory course in any water-related topics, the NWSCA can be a valuable resource for finding solutions. By networking with professionals from various regions of the country through membership or attending conferences/seminars hosted by NWSCA, consultants can benefit from learning about best practices followed in other regions as well as updated technology used for payment processing (for example). Ultimately this leads to improved customer service levels at all times as solutions are more efficient due to experienced resources being involved instead of trial-and-error techniques employed without help.
Final Thoughts on Membership
The National Water and Sewerage Consultant Association (NWSCA) brings together a highly specialized group of professionals who can provide immediate help to clients in need of water and sewerage advice.
It is clear that membership in the association offers dynamic benefits and is a great way to network with other professionals while also gaining access to additional resources. As NWSCA members are held to standards of excellence, individuals can trust that their water and sewerage advice is both informed and reliable.
Members of the NWSCA have access to:
- Certification courses
- Regional conferences
- Educational materials
- Private meetings
- Discounts on all NWSCA products
With these advantages, it’s easy to see that becoming an official member will help you develop your career in the lucrative and ever-growing water industry.
The NWSCA strives for furthering public health through advising clients on how to sustainably manage their water systems. We believe our members are at the core of this mission by delivering quality work with integrity and expertise; therefore, prospective members should be mindful that there may be certain qualifications needed for admittance into the association.
For more information about requirements for joining or about what the National Water and Sewerage Consultants Association has available – contact us now.