Membership Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the history of the Council?
The California Urban Water Conservation Council was established in 1991 to increase efficient water use statewide through partnerships among urban water agencies, public interest organizations, and private entities. The Council's goal is to integrate urban water conservation BMPs into the planning and management of California's water resources. A historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by over 100 urban water agencies and environmental groups in December 1991. Since then, the Council has grown to over 394 members. Those signing the MOU pledge to implement 14 comprehensive conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs). Agencies and organizations can become members of the Council by signing the MOU. Being a signatory of the MOU, without enrolling as a full member, provides only limited access to Council resources. For that reason, the Council strongly encourages water agencies to enroll as full paying members to be allowed the complete, comprehensive range of services available. Those services include: technical staff and expertise, statewide implementation programs, and a number of forums for California’s water conservation professionals to work together on common initiatives. Although we seek grants to offset costs, the Council could not exist without the reliable payment of member dues. To our members, we say thank you for doing your part to support the Council. Your membership has raised the level of cost-effective water use efficiency in the state.
What are the three membership “Groups”?
The California Urban Water Conservation Council is a consensus-based partnership of agencies and organizations concerned with water supply and conservation of natural resources in California. The Council's membership consists of three groups:
Group 1 consists of urban water suppliers. A "water supplier" is defined as any entity, including a city that delivers or supplies water for urban use at the wholesale or retail level. Through full membership, water suppliers receive technical assistance; participate in statewide programs and policy setting committees; interact with a broad network of industry peers and consultants; and benefit from the Council’s political strength to drive proactive change.
Group 2 consists of public advocacy organizations. A "public advocacy organization" is defined as a non-profit organization whose prime mission is the protection of the environment, or who has a clear interest in advancing the BMP process. Group 2 organizations should not be ones whose primary function is the representation of trade, industrial, or utility entities. Through full membership, advocacy groups have the opportunity to direct the future of water efficiency in our state, network with a full range of industry professionals, and work collaboratively with others to effect legislative changes.
Group 3 consists of other interested parties that do not fall into either Group 1 or Group 2. Through full membership, Group 3 members are part of a network that includes California’s water agencies and advocacy organizations. By participating in Council committees, Group 3 parties work side-by-side and build relationships with the major water efficiency players in the industry. As a benefit of full membership, Group 3 organizations gain the opportunity to present their firms’ products and services to all Council members. To become a full member, you must adopt and sign the MOU, and pay annual dues.
What are the advantages of membership?
Technical Support
Our technical staff and consultants can help you learn about the newest products on the market, the benefit-to-cost ratio of programs, the do’s and don’ts for marketing products, and contact information for agencies that have implemented such devices in their conservation programs. In addition to our staff advice, the Council website offers premiere industry studies, product testing results, and program guidebooks to purchase, download or borrow. In the “Member’s Only Area” you’ll find answers to Frequently Asked Questions, publications at discounted prices, Council program guidebooks to download, and studies to borrow from the in-house Resources Library.
Networking
The Council’s committees are invaluable to water industry professionals. Interact with your peers to identify the most cost effective programs and products, thereby utilizing your agency’s budget dollars to the fullest. Learn about the latest advancements in residential, landscape, and commercial/industrial water conservation. Meet with industry professionals throughout California and exchange real life program experiences and solutions.
Direct the Future
Receive regular updates on the latest developments in state and federal water conservation legislation. Understand what is happening with the water-related codes and standards setting at the state level as well as at the national level. Green building specifications are an important area of interest. The Council actively participates in developing state water conservation policy, and participates in codes and standards work with the Alliance for Water Efficiency nationally. Council members are provided with regular updates so that you don’t have to personally attend every meeting. Be a part of the organization that is a leader in instituting the highest efficiency standards possible, both in California and across the nation.
Statewide Initiatives
Take advantage of grant co-funded programs, such as the Smart Rebates Program, where your agency pays only a small portion of conservation program costs. Even better, these programs are administered for your benefit and save you the actual work at your agency level.
Training Workshops
Each year the Council offers a variety of training workshops with discounted fees for members, such as advancements in residential water conservation technologies, basic training for new member water agency Conservation Coordinators, help on cost-effectiveness analysis, and tips on marketing to commercial and industrial customers.
Equipment Lending
The Council understands that test equipment is often beyond the reach of an agency’s budget. For this reason, the Council offers T-5 Flushmeter and Leak Detection Equipment on loan to members. Call the Council office at 916-552-5885 for full details.
Reference Library
The Council has a comprehensive reference library of important publications and studies available for members to download, borrow, or purchase.
Water Conservation reference material categories include:
- Conservation and Drought Planning
- Commercial, Industrial, Institutional
- Evaluation and Savings
- Landscape
- Laws, Ordinances, and Policy
- Public Information and Education
- Rates
- Residential
- Water Recycling
- Water/Wastewater System Operations