New Report: NAWC Members Lead in Adoption of Safety and Security Policies

January 6, 2026
Member Companies Report Universal Adoption of Cybersecurity, Health and Safety Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 6, 2026) – The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) released its 2025 Safety Benchmarking Report, a comprehensive survey of all NAWC member companies to assess safety and security performance across the sector. The findings clearly showcase the industry’s deep commitment to robust workplace health, safety and security programs. In fact, the report provides one of the strongest datasets to date, reflecting a clear and comprehensive picture of the regulated, private water companies’ proactive and forward-leaning safety culture. The findings affirm that NAWC’s member companies continue to place the highest priority on protecting their employees and the communities they serve.

“This year’s report demonstrates our members’ deep-rooted commitment to fostering a culture of safety that protects both their employees and the communities they serve,” said NAWC President and CEO Robert F. Powelson. “The regulated, private water industry is proactive and forward-leaning, constantly implementing and refining the programs and protocols necessary to ensure a safe work environment and the uninterrupted delivery of safe, reliable water service.”

The 2025 Safety Benchmarking Report details member companies’ health, safety and security programs. Key findings from the report include:

  • 100% of responding companies have a formal, management-approved safety policy, a comprehensive health and safety program and a cybersecurity plan in place.
  • 100% of respondents conduct internal health and safety audits and inspections to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
  • 94.1% have implemented elements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework into their operations.
  • 94.1% include procedures for investigating all accidents and recommending corrective actions as part of their written safety programs.
  • 88.2% of companies have a dedicated budget for their health and safety programs, an increase from 84.2% in the prior year.
  • 88.2% have an active safety committee, and their safety programs include disciplinary actions for violations.
  • 82.4% of companies include proactive safety activities, such as near-miss and safety observation programs, in their written health and safety programs.

“The data speaks for itself,” continued Powelson. “From universal adoption of safety policies and cybersecurity plans to robust training and auditing programs, our members are not just meeting standards, they are setting them. We are proud of the diligence and leadership the regulated, private water industry demonstrates in these critical areas.”