Water is the most important basis of life for humans and nature. Access to clean drinking water, the purification of wastewater and the maintenance of water bodies is part of the provision of public services. The water management associations in NRW make a significant contribution to this by managing water resources sustainably. Since 2006, the major water management associations in North Rhine-Westphalia have been organised in the agw, the working group of water management associations in NRW.

Special statutory water management associations are unique in Germany. They are institutions with democratic legitimisation and are committed to solidarity-based, sustainable and holistic water management on a public law basis. As non-profit organisations, they are responsible for the self-administration of water management and thus relieve the state of its burden.

Tasks of the agw

With the strengths of our member organisations, we are committed to shaping a sustainable water future and help to raise public awareness of the importance of water as a resource - through holistic river basin management that transcends municipal boundaries and guarantees the responsible use of our natural resources. We promote dialogue and cooperation between our members and represent their interests vis-à-vis political bodies and institutions. We are also particularly concerned with the next generation of water management professionals. Our aim is to attract skilled workers to the water industry and to inspire them for this forward-looking sector. Together, we are creating a strong foundation for the water industry of tomorrow.