The organizational meeting of the South Dakota Water and Wastewater Conference (changed to Association in 1972) was held in Aberdeen, SD on November 26 and 27, 1935.  Thirty-five participants were signed up as the first members.

The object of the Association was then, and still is, to advance a course of instruction for those responsible for the operation of water and wastewater facilities, the general advancement of knowledge of the design, construction, operation, and management of water and wastewater facilities, and encouragement for a friendly exchange of information and experience among its members.