The American Water Works Association announced that it will establish its first international community when it opens an office this spring in India.

In comments made during the Indian Water Works Association’s Annual Convention in Kolkata, AWWA CEO David LaFrance said the newly created AWWAIndia is an important step in achieving the Association’s vision of a “better world through better water.”

“AWWA and the water professionals of India have had a long and proud working relationship, and AWWA is excited about developing its first international community there,” LaFrance says. “We want to be part of the local community rather than a partner from afar.”

AWWA anticipates introducing AWWAIndia’s first executive manager in the coming months. In addition to opening an office, the executive manager’s initial focus will be on building a community of water professionals who collaborate to support public health, environmental protection and best management practices. AWWAIndia will also develop training for operators and managers.

In addition to attending IWWA’s Annual Convention, LaFrance, AWWA President John Donahue and AWWA Past President Nilaksh Kothari are meeting over the next two weeks with various groups and government entities in India. With an eye toward AWWAIndia’s training mission, they will also host three half-day seminars in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai that will touch on important water issues such as asset management, leak detection and rate issues.

About AWWA
Established in 1881, the American Water Works Association is the largest nonprofit, scientific and educational association dedicated to managing and treating water, the world’s most important resource. With about 50,000 members, AWWA provides solutions to improve public health, protect the environment, strengthen the economy and enhance our quality of life.