Through the Independent membership approach, organization's, entities, and individuals with a stake in water related matters may join NWRA to participate in and support the association's policies and pursuits as well as to further their own partnerships and interests in this realm. Independent members can simultaneously be members of NWRA affiliated state associations or special purpose caucuses.

The special purpose caucus approach involves NWRA approved Caucuses that affiliate with the association in the pursuit of common policy objectives. Similar to the state association approach, while the individual Caucus is technically the dues paying NWRA member, any individual, professional services firm, or water provider that is a member of an NWRA affiliated Caucus, may by extension participate in NWRA as a member of NWRA.

Each of the three membership categories have representation on the NWRA Board of Directors, thus giving a voice to their respective sector in the operations and ventures of the association.

Members can also engage in NWRA operations, advocacy, and activities through participation in a wide range of committees, task forces, and events that are maintained and managed by the association

This unique format provides for a large and diverse membership which provides NWRA with information and feedback related to water policy that includes emphasis on irrigation, municipal, and hydropower water related matters.