The idea of forming such a unique, regionally professional Association arose in 2013 as a result of real needs in the field and monitoring of the Danube Water Program, which supports strategic dialogue and capacity development for wise policies, strong utilities and sustainable water services and sewers in the Danube region. The program is jointly managed by the World Bank and the IAWD (The International Association of Water Supply Companies in the Danube River Catchment Area), with the original funding provided by the Austrian government. The Program cooperates with stakeholders at the regional, national and local levels.

PUC "Naissus" Nis, as the largest company in the south of Serbia in the field of water supply and sewerage services, recognized the idea of regional association of related companies, and applied within the mentioned call for a project called "Establishment of the Association for Water Protection and Preservation in the South of Serbia". This project proposal defines the formation of a voluntary, non-governmental and non-profit Association (water supply companies, local self-government, educational institutions, private sector and civil society organizations) to improve the work of local water supply companies, as well as to preserve and protect natural resources in southern Serbia. The project was approved and the contract was signed on March 21, 2014 at the City Hall in Nis.

ASSOCIATION FOR WATER PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION IN THE SOUTH OF SERBIA (WASS) was founded on June 9, 2015 at the Founding Assembly held in the premises of the Regional Chamber of Economy in Nis. In addition to the representatives of the founding members (directors of public utility companies from the territory of southern Serbia), this event was also attended by the presidents of national and professional associations in the water sector from the region.

From its founding until today, the Association has unequivocally become a relevant participant in creating a better business environment for all public utility companies in southern Serbia. Wanting to expand its influence in the right way and raise the quality of communal services with its knowledge and abilities, since 2017, by combining science, technological solutions, renowned equipment manufacturers, experts and the interested professional public, it is organizing the international professional event WATER DAYS.

Every year, within this event, an international professional conference is held, which aims to treat the most current topics in the field of water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment, engaging well-known and recognized participants from the country and abroad. Today, the Association is a training center for energy efficiency in the water sector. It also organizes workshops for its members for knowledge exchange, promotional events, commercial presentations, technical visits, visits to international fairs and conferences.

NUMBER OF MEMBERS - 28 COMPANIES
The region of southern Serbia covers an area of 14,000 km2 (15.8% of the territory of the Republic of Serbia). It is divided into 5 districts: Pčinja, Jablanica, Nisava, Pirot and Toplica. About 960,000 inhabitants live in this area (13.7% of the total population of the Republic of Serbia).