In the mid-1970's local governments in the western United States began investing in wireless technology for communicating hydrologic data (rainfall and stream water levels) in real-time. This new technology became known by the acronym ALERT-Automated Local Evaluation in Real-Time. Within a few years the National Weather Service deployed similar technology in the East known as IFLOWS-Integrated Flood Observing and Warning System. In the early 80's the first users group was formed in California and by 1997, there were three users groups in the U.S. devoted to ALERT and IFLOWS technology. In order to provide a national focal point, a council was formed and individuals were appointed by each users group to represent the collective interests of all ALERT/IFLOWS users. This council became known as the National Hydrologic Warning Council (NHWC). After 10 years of activity the users reached a consensus that the NHWC should become a national organization and represent the interests of the entire hydrologic warning community, not just ALERT and IFLOWS users. This decision was reached in part because these users now employ many other technologies for flood detection, environmental monitoring, and data communications. More emphasis is now being placed on data integration, GIS applications, linking hydrologic models, and using the Internet. Improving liaison with federal partners and sister organizations like AMS will continue to be a primary goal of the new NHWC.