We provide training and technical assistance for these utilities and advocate with federal, state, and local officials on their behalf. The West Virginia Rural Water Association (WVRWA) was created in 1985 to provide technical assistance and training to the small water systems of West Virginia. Our programs consist of a wastewater program, and three water circuit rider programs. In 1998, a training specialist joined the WVRWA staff through what is now known as the Hours for Education and Learning Program (H.E.L.P.). WVRWA now has ten professionals working in the field providing on-site assistance to small public water and wastewater systems and non-community water systems. In addition to the field staff, our office is staffed with an executive director, bookkeeper, secretary/receptionist, and an information technology specialist. WVRWA is an association of small public water and wastewater systems from throughout the state. The membership is comprised of several categories: Voting Members (public service districts and municipalities); Affiliate Members (private companies); Individual Members (people who, as individuals, support the goals of WVRWA); and three levels of Associate Members (companies who support WVRWA at various financial levels). Funding for the organization comes from Association dues, grants from Rural Utilities Services for the Water Circuit Rider and Wastewater Programs, West Virginia Bureau for Public Health for the H.E.L.P. And the WV DEP for a wastewater technical support program. Other services provided by WVRWA include the publication of a quarterly magazine, "Mountain State Water Line," that contains timely and helpful technical information for systems throughout the state. The Association also holds an Annual Technical Conference in the fall of each year that provides an opportunity for small systems personnel to meet and learn from professionals in the water and wastewater fields.
