Fifty years ago, the Articles of Incorporation were signed to form the National Rural Water Association and a movement was born.
Rural Water was founded in Oklahoma, by Oklahomans, with a simple but powerful mission: stand up for rural water and wastewater systems, strengthen small communities, and ensure local control remains in local hands. The Oklahoma Rural Water Association is proud to be a founding member of NRWA and part of that legacy from the very beginning.
For 50 years, Rural Water has been built on grassroots determination, pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps to assist, teach, and defend rural America. We have weathered imitation, competition, government shutdowns, and shifting political tides. Through it all, we have remained steadfast in our mission and commitment to the operators, board members, and communities who rely on safe, reliable water and wastewater services.
This milestone is not just about longevity. It is about resilience, advocacy, and results. From field staff serving systems in all 50 states to the dedicated professionals operating treatment plants and distribution systems every day, Rural Water continues to be the backbone of rural infrastructure across this nation.
“Rural Water was born right here in Oklahoma, and that grassroots spirit still drives everything we do today,” said Jimmy Seago, CEO of the Oklahoma Rural Water Association. “The National Rural Water Association has empowered state associations like ORWA to serve communities on the ground, helping small towns grow, strengthening local leadership, and ensuring families have access to safe, reliable water. As NRWA celebrates its milestone of 50 years, we are proud to stand alongside them and carry that mission forward. For 56 years, ORWA has been in Oklahoma communities, supporting rural systems and keeping the water on.”
We celebrate the founders who had the vision, the leaders who carried the torch, and the current staff and members who continue the work.
Rural Water has thrived for 50 years because we stand by our core values and our unwavering commitment to rural communities. And we will continue to thrive for the next 50 years because of the unifying leadership of NRWA, bringing together state associations, aligning our advocacy voice in Washington, strengthening technical assistance nationwide, and ensuring rural systems have both representation and resources when it matters most.
United, focused, and mission-driven, Rural Water’s best days are still ahead.
Here’s to the next 50 years of strengthening rural America.