The German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA)
The German Association for Water, Wastewater and Waste (DWA) - Three letters that stand for the experience and competence of its members - in sewage plants, in planning and production, in research and administration. The number of its members makes the DWA one of the largest organisations in this field in Europe, and its special expertise and competence give it a prominent place in standardisation, professional training and public information. Its 14,000 members represent the specialists and managers of municipalities, universities and polytechnics, engineering offices, authorities and industry.
Company details
Find locations served, office locations
- Business Type:
- Professional association
- Industry Type:
- Water and Wastewater
- Market Focus:
- Internationally (various countries)
- Employees:
- Over 1000
Bodies of the Association
In order to implement the tasks of the DWA at federal and regional levels, the DWA operates from its national headquarters and seven separate regional groups.
All participants in the main- and sub-committees are working on a voluntary basis.
In addition the managing board may form research associations as needed. Those are responsible for the execution and consolidation of work on the individual subject fields of the association.
Regional Groups
Under the aegis of the DWA, seven regional groups have been established throughout Germany. In their respective regions, they are in charge of taking care of the interests of their members.
Amongst their key tasks are the responsibilities for training of personnel working in water management plants. For this purpose there is a network of voluntary, highly motivated experts working in the water management sector, which passes on its knowledge and expertise to water management personnel – particularly for practical and theoretical qualifications. Throughout Germany, the total number of participants in the so-called “neighbourhoods” reaches an annual figure of 15,000.
In addition, the regional associations offer an interesting training programme in the form of conferences, courses, excursions and exchanges of experience in the water management sector for all member groups in the DWA, taking into account regional situations.
International Cooperation
In 2003 the Annual General Meeting passed a resolution to strengthen the international engagement of the DWA and endorsed the support of the global action targets (Kyoto, Johannesburg) for access to clean water.
- Exchange of experts in the International Forum
- International delegations from abroad/cooperation workshops
- Seminars in English for participants from abroad
- DWA committees and specialist cooperation
- Young Scientists’ and Professionals’ Programme for the promotion of
- the young international engineering talent
- Compact programme for young DWA members with ambitions for
- international careers
- Worldwide specialist advice with the build-up of national water
- associations
- Engagement in international associations and institutions
- Translations of the DWA Set of Rules and Standards
- Support of universities
- Contact with the DWA “International Collaboration“ team