The American Water Works Association
The American Water Works Association was founded on March 29, 1881 in St. Louis, Missouri by 22 men representing water utilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
The founding members adopted a constitution with the goal of the association being “for the exchange of information pertaining to the management of water-works, for the mutual advancement of consumers and water companies, and for the purpose of securing economy and uniformity in the operations of water-works.”
The AWWA Today
Today, there are more than 180 AWWA Standards that cover everything from the well to storage tanks, water treatment plants, to distribution systems. AWWA standards describe the minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and administrative information contained in specifications. C207 and C228 cover the pipe flanges in carbon steel and stainless steel.
In 2008 the AWWA introduced C228 for stainless steel flanges for use with stainless steel pipe in water works service. This standard is for ring type slip on and blind flanges. Pressure ratings for water service are SA–50 psi., SB-86 psi., SD-150 psi., and SE-275 psi. In 2013 C207 dropped the hub flanges from the standard making it ring type slip on and blind flange only.
As urban development and the impact of industrialization and technology changes, the AWWA will continue to lead the industry with its standards and creation of best practices.
Sources: AWWA History