About

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.

2023 Financial Statement
Certification Registry

HWA Formed

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

1998
 

Pigeon River Watershed Action Plan Adopted

Developed by HWA and its Technical Advisory Committee to identify and prioritize water quality projects

2002
 

Septic Repair Program

With funding from Pigeon River Fund, DEQ 319, and TVA, we have been able to financially support 193 repairs

2006
 

Hyatt Creek Removed from EPA Impaired Waters List

Thanks to HWA and several partners, Hyatt Creek was removed from the EPA Impaired Waters list

2010
 

1st Annual Plunge

Hosted the first Plunge to benefit Kids in the Creek and other environmental education programs

2012
 

Notable Restorations

Streambank restorations at Elevated Park in Maggie Valley and sections of Shelton Branch

2018
 

Largest Grant Funding to Date

Funded by the NC Land & Water Fund, HWA was able to secure $2M for the “Upper Pigeon River Flood Risk Reduction” project

2023