HWA Formed
Community leaders and concerned citizens came together because of their passion for improving and maintaining the water quality in Haywood County

Haywood Waterways Association (HWA) is a nonprofit association dedicated to maintaining and improving the water quality of the Pigeon River.
Our focus is reducing non-point pollution in the Pigeon River Watershed. It works toward this goal through a variety of voluntary initiatives. These include educational programs, gathering water resource information, sharing information to increase public awareness, greenway efforts, and obtaining grants and other resources to address nonpoint pollution problems.
It is funded by contributions from members, grants, and donations. Much of its work is guided by a Technical Advisory Committee with representatives from federal, state, and local agencies as well as many volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.
Formed in 1998 by a handful of concerned citizens in partnership with local governments, our organization has continued to support and bolster water quality measures across Haywood County. We look forward to celebrating our 25th anniversary in September 2023.
Community leaders and concerned citizens came together because of their passion for improving and maintaining the water quality in Haywood County
Developed by HWA and its Technical Advisory Committee to identify and prioritize water quality projects
With funding from Pigeon River Fund, DEQ 319, and TVA, we have been able to financially support 193 repairs
Thanks to HWA and several partners, Hyatt Creek was removed from the EPA Impaired Waters list
Hosted the first Plunge to benefit Kids in the Creek and other environmental education programs
Streambank restorations at Elevated Park in Maggie Valley and sections of Shelton Branch
Funded by the NC Land & Water Fund, HWA was able to secure $2M for the “Upper Pigeon River Flood Risk Reduction” project