In this issue...
- AWE Organizational Updates
- 2026 Symposium
- Program & Research Updates
- Policy Updates
- Member Spotlight
- News Briefs
AWE Organizational Updates
Welcome, Joan Hughes, AWE’s New Director of Programs & Research
We are thrilled to have Joan join AWE as Director of Programs & Research, bringing nearly 15 years of experience leading water and energy efficiency programs at NASA. Most recently, she served as the Agency Energy and Water Program Manager, where she advanced efficiency initiatives across NASA’s facilities nationwide. Joan is a Certified Energy Manager with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Mississippi State University and an M.A. in Anthropology & English from the University of West Florida. Joan’s expertise also includes federal energy and water policy, strategic planning and partnerships, organizational change, and contract and grant management. Joan and her family live in southwestern Colorado, where she enjoys the great outdoors in all seasons.
Parental Leave Update: Kelly Connolly Kern
Our Director of Public Affairs will be out on parental leave for the first several months of the new year! Kelly and her husband, Dalton, are expecting their first child in early January. Ron will lead all federal policy endeavors while she is out, while Sophie and Amanda cover Symposium leadership. If you have a question that you would typically run by Kelly, please reach out to our team via email at contact@a4we.org
2026 Membership Renewals Are on the Way
Keep an eye out: 2026 annual dues renewal invoices will be heading to your organization soon. As always, we will send them both to your organization’s designated Point of Contact by email and by snail mail. If your organization’s Point of Contact or mailing address has changed in the last year, please let us know at membership@a4we.org so we can ensure everything gets to the right place.
We hope you’ll renew and join us for another impactful year of advancing a sustainable water future!
2026 Water Efficiency & Conservation Symposium
2026 Symposium Planning is Underway
We have officially launched planning for the 2026 Water Efficiency and Conservation Symposium with support from our newly convened Program Advisory Committee (PAC). Over the past few months, PAC members have come together to identify key industry challenges, shape conference themes and priority topic areas, and explore fresh ideas for session formats and structures. Their insights will guide the upcoming abstract submission and selection process, helping ensure the 2026 Symposium reflects the needs and priorities of the water efficiency community. Keep an eye out: the call for abstracts will open in late January 2026!
2026 Symposium Sponsorship Packages Now Available
Want to make a big splash at our 4th annual Symposium? Join us as a sponsor! Sponsorship connects your organization with top leaders in water conservation while offering valuable marketing and visibility opportunities.
We offer a range of sponsorship options, including Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze packages, plus à la carte opportunities to fit your needs. Explore the sponsorship details here. Have questions or need help finding the right fit? Email us—we’d love to chat!
Program & Research Updates
Connecting with Members and Peers at the WaterSmart Innovations Conference
Our Program Team had a great week connecting in person with members, peers, and industry partners at AWWA’s 2025 WaterSmart Innovations Conference. We kicked things off by co-hosting our 3rd Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) for Conservation Programs pre-conference workshop with Maddaus Water Management, where we covered AMI fundamentals, customer education and engagement strategies, approaches for targeting non-residential customers, water savings evaluation methods, and more. Throughout the week, we also shared updates on our ongoing large-scale landscapes research study, highlighted findings from our peak demands study, discussed the effectiveness of conservation-oriented rates, and provided an overview of our federal-level advocacy for water efficiency. A big thank you to the American Water Works Association for hosting us in Reno, facilitating another successful event, and inviting AWE to contribute to panels, workshops, and sessions.
New Publication: Peak Water Demand Trends and Management Strategies Across North America
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has published AWE’s work on project 5265, Evaluating Changes in Peak Water Demand and How That May Affect the Choice, Design, Management, and Evaluation of Demand Management Strategies. The report explores peak demands drivers and trends across four core case studies, identifies peak demand management strategies and considerations, and provides examples and guidance for how to adopt and advance strategies across a diverse range of geographical, organizational, and demographic constraints.
AWE would like to express gratitude to WRF for their funding and support, and to the project’s participants – Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District, City of Westminster, California Water Service, New Jersey American Water, San Antonio Water System, North Texas Water Development Board, City of Bozeman, and Regional of Peel – for contributing their time, data, and expertise to this effort.
New Publication: Advancing Sustainability Through Household Consumer Products: Guidance & Insights for Estimating & Communicating Water Savings
AWE, in partnership with Bluerisk and supported by The Procter & Gamble Company through the Bonneville Environmental Foundation, is excited to release our newest report: “Advancing Sustainability through Household Consumer Products: Guidance & Insights for Estimating and Communicating Water Savings” This groundbreaking resource provides a practical framework for companies, practitioners, and researchers to consistently estimate and communicate water savings from household consumer products and campaigns. Access and download the Guidance on AWE’s Resource Library here or watch the webinar recording here.
Participate in AWE’s Latest Research Initiative Focused on Integrating Water Reuse and Efficiency
We are partnering with WateReuse Association to identify examples & best practices for integrating water reuse systems and water use efficiency and conservation strategies. The project will develop guidance offering practical insights, planning approaches, technologies, and organizational practices, and will convene a peer network of water professionals working on reuse and conservation. We are looking for water utilities and agencies to participate in this research. Please reach out to Johanna@a4we.org to learn more and get involved.
To stay up to date with AWE’s research, check out the “Active Research” section on our webpage here.
Policy Updates
AWE Joins Effort to Support WaterSMART Funding
The National Audubon Society is coordinating a multi-sector letter urging the Department of the Interior to include strong, sustained funding for the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program as it prepares to create its Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. WaterSMART continues to deliver high-impact, cost-effective projects that strengthen drought resilience, modernize infrastructure, and improve water reliability for communities, agriculture, and industry across the West.
We encourage our members to join this effort. If your organization would like to sign on, please review the letter and submit your organizational signature using the form below. The sign-on deadline is January 15, 2026.
Read the letter | Add your organization’s signature
Longest U.S. Government Shutdown in History
Late 2025 was marked by the longest-recorded government shutdown in American history. Throughout the shutdown, AWE continued to meet with partners to move our policy priorities forward and stay connected to an ever-evolving landscape. Key legislative time was lost this fall due to the shutdown, and Congress has yet to fully fund the government for the 2026 Fiscal Year. Many key federal agencies and programs that our members rely on are currently only funded through the January 30th Continuing Resolution. As appropriation decisions are finalized, we will keep members updated on any changes.
Championing the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act
Our team continues to advocate for passage of the Water Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation that would eliminate federal taxation of water efficiency rebates, a disincentive to participation, and an administrative burden for agencies that issue them. Throughout Q4, AWE met with members and their respective Congressional delegations—particularly across the Colorado River Basin—to build support and encourage additional cosponsors in both chambers. We remain optimistic about the growing momentum for this commonsense reform.
Organizations interested in getting involved are encouraged to reach out to Ron Burke.
AWE Defends Federal Efficiency Standards for Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures
Once the government reopened in mid-November, the House resumed hearings on a slate of water- and energy-efficiency-related bills. A key bill that we’ve been monitoring closely is H.R. 4626, “Don’t Mess With My Home Appliances Act,” which would bring about widespread reform to the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA and would open the doors to the Department of Energy, eliminating or rolling back long-standing energy and efficiency standards for appliances and fixtures.
To stay up to date with AWE’s policy work, check out the Policy Priorities and Policy Activities sections of our website.
Recent Webinars
Evaluating Changes in Peak Demands Webinar
On December 9th, we joined the Water Research Foundation (WRF) to share about our most recently published research project, Evaluating Changes in Peak Water Demand and How That May Affect the Choice, Design, Management, and Evaluation of Demand Management Strategies.
The webinar featured insights on foundational and emerging peak-demand metrics, what drives peak demand, how trends vary regionally, and practical strategies utilities can use to manage peaks more effectively. Watch it here.
Advancing Sustainability Through Household Consumer Products Guidance Webinar
On October 21st, we hosted a webinar alongside partners from Bluerisk and Procter & Gamble for the release of our first-of-its-kind new report, Advancing Sustainability Through Household Consumer Products: Guidance & Insights for Estimating & Communicating Water Savings.
The Guidance provides a practical framework to help guide companies and researchers consistently estimate and communicate water savings from household consumer products and campaigns. The webinar featured experts sharing why household water use matters, showcasing pilot project results from the 50L Home Pilot, and walking through the report’s guidance. You’ll leave with actionable insights to improve the credibility and impact of water-saving products and programs. Watch it here.
AWE Member Spotlights
AWWA Released New G480-25 Standard
On the third day of Christmas, AWWA gave to me… a brand-new G480 Standard! The G480-25 Water Conservation and Efficiency Program Operation and Management is the latest update to the industry standard for building strong utility water conservation and efficiency programs. We are so proud of all the AWE members and staff who served on the committee that shaped this new edition.
In 2026, AWE will roll out a suite of resources to help members navigate the updated requirements and/or get verified for Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum recognition for the first time. Compliance verification is a free, member-only benefit available to all current members. Stay tuned next year for a webinar on the updates and a G480-25 Compliance Checklist to support utilities aiming to meet or exceed the new standard.
U.S. Water Alliance Releases New Value of Water Campaign Report
The Value of Water Campaign, in partnership with Stantec and One Water Econ, recently released Tapping Potential: The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure, a landmark analysis showing that while America needs to invest an additional $1.8 trillion water infrastructure funding by 2044, closing that gap could generate nearly $4.6 trillion in economic output, increase GDP by $1.5 trillion, and support over 950,000 jobs annually.
The report provides the most detailed picture to date of national and state-level funding needs for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. It also highlights the dire consequences of underinvestment, including risks to public health, economic competitiveness, and community resilience, alongside the extraordinary economic return of sustained investment.
Texas Members Help Secure Historic Investment in Water Infrastructure
Amidst a wave of election results last night, Texas voters made history by approving Proposition 4, authorizing a $20 billion investment in water infrastructure over the next 20 years. The Texas Tribune reports, “Texas is poised to make the largest investment in its water supply in the state’s 180-year history after voters on Tuesday approved Proposition 4, which authorizes $20 billion to be spent on water projects over the next two decades. The vote comes at a time when communities are scrambling to find new water supplies to meet the needs of their growing population, all the while deteriorating infrastructure, and a warming climate threatens the state’s water supply.”
Jennifer Walker, Director of the Texas Coast and Water Program for the National Wildlife Foundation, and recent AWE Board Secretary, shared, “Today’s vote shows that Texans across the political spectrum understand the stakes and are ready to invest in solutions that will protect our water for generations. Investing in our water infrastructure now means fewer leaks, safer drinking water, conservation of natural resources, and a stronger economy that can support families and communities for decades.”
Rachio Joins the Rain Bird Family
In case you missed it, we’re excited to share an exciting update from the AWE network! AWE business member, Rachio has recently been acquired by fellow AWE member Rain Bird Corporation.
“By combining the resources and capabilities of Rain Bird and Rachio, we will accelerate innovation, expand our product portfolio, and strengthen our ability to connect with customers in new and meaningful ways,” said Michael L. Donoghue, Rain Bird President and CEO.
Rachio will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary under CEO and co-founder Chris Klein. This collaboration brings together Rain Bird’s nearly century-long irrigation expertise with Rachio’s smart home innovation to advance water efficiency and intelligent irrigation solutions. Read the full announcement.
Register Today for the 41st Annual WateReuse Symposium
Join the WateReuse Association for the premier annual event for recycled water professionals: the 41st Annual WateReuse Symposium, taking place March 8–11, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. This is your opportunity to connect with water sector professionals, gain insights from expert-led presentations, and explore the latest policy and technology advancements shaping the water recycling industry. Register here.
CalWEP Releases Suite of Non-Functional Turf Resources
In early October, CalWEP, launched this incredible website to support agencies and communities as California implements its new non-functional turf regulation. The website includes a coordinated suite of resources such as an outreach toolkit and an internal agency guidebook to help turn CA Assembly Bill 1572 (AB 1572) into on-the-ground action.
While these resources were created specifically for California-based organizations, there is an abundance of actionable resources relevant to our larger member base. We encourage you to check out some of the categories, including Caring for Trees in Landscape Transformations, or their section dedicated to Professional Landscapers.
Congratulations to the CalWEP staff and board that worked hard to bring this resource to light, and to all of the AWE and CalWEP members that served on this project committee!
News Briefs
California Sets Initial State Water Project Allocation at 10%. Read more.
Trump Administration’s Threats to Shrink or Eliminate National Monuments Could Endanger Drinking Water for Millions. Read more.
Iran’s Capital Is Moving. The Reason Is an Ecological Catastrophe. Read more.
Home Listings Featuring WaterSense Fixtures Surge as Buyers Prioritize Conservation. Read more. Drought is Quietly Pushing American Cities Toward a Fiscal Cliff. Read more.
The World’s First Climate Tipping Point Has Been Crossed, Scientists Say. Read more.
AWE has been working hard for its members and water-efficient policies on multiple levels – U.S. Congress, the Executive Branch, and State Legislatures. We’ve posted AWE’s 2023 policy priorities on our website, and we ask any interested members and partners with ideas on these policy priorities, additional priorities, or how to accomplish them, please reach out to our new Senior Manager of Policy and Programs, 
Congratulations to the city of Santa Rosa, which, since 2007, has transformed over 4 million square feet of grass into beautiful, water-saving landscapes with efficient irrigation systems, like drip irrigation, through the Cash for Grass rebate program and technical support.
Much of North America and the world are grappling with a warmer, drier climate that results in less water being available to meet basic human needs, support businesses, sustain ecosystems, and grow food. The Colorado River Basin, with Lake Mead approaching “dead pool” status, is a conspicuous example of how dramatically the water supply math is changing because of climate change and population growth. But water scarcity is not limited to the southwestern U.S. 
that much of North America is on pace to experience water shortages if we don’t manage water better.
A new Colorado law provides $2 million for the voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscaping. Local governments, certain districts, Native American tribes, and nonprofit organizations may apply for funds to finance their irrigated turf replacement programs. The bill defines water-wise landscaping as a water- and plant-management practice that emphasizes using plants with lower water needs. Earlier this year, Utah approved $5 million for a similar program.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency held a series of regional member meetings to address common challenges. Meetings were held for:
AWE members can now access a 10% discount on WaterView™ from Eagle Aerial Solutions. WaterView™ combines multiple data sets (daily local ET readings, parcel data, demographic data, irrigated landscape square footage, household size, etc.) to allow precise, targeted conservation efforts at the district, group, and customer levels. Currently, over 50 water agencies are using WaterView™ to analyze total water allocation at the parcel level, help spot water use trends, and track and manage over-allocation users within each district. 
AWE and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation released a report detailing the projects funded by the Learning Landscape Grant Program. The grants, funded by the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, support building or improving educational outdoor spaces at schools, botanical gardens, and community locations that allow school-age children to experience hands-on learning about water efficiency in outdoor landscapes.
Smart Irrigation Month
P&G Unveils Strategy to Help Address Global Water Crisis
AWE partner City of Sacramento is asking residents to reduce their water use by 20%, and offering rebates and reimbursements for water efficient upgrades. Customers can get rebates for a WaterSense-labeled smart irrigation controller, drought-tolerant landscaping, rain barrel, and more. 
The federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates $400 million over 5 years for WaterSmart Grants. Funding opportunities for drought resiliency projects are open for FY23. Applicants must be based in or in partnership with an entity in one of the following locations: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.
President Biden's proposed 2023 budget includes funding for water infrastructure resiliency programs that were authorized in last year’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). WaterSmart grants that prioritize water efficiency received $400 million from IIJA. However, some of the resiliency programs were only authorized and still need to be funded through the budget. AWE sent a letter to the White House encouraging President Biden to include funding for these programs in his budget, and we applaud that he did.
AWE Partner Boss Defrost announced a partnership with Whole Foods Market to use its water-saving device for defrosting food in over 40 stores serving communities in Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah, and Texas. Boss Defrost is an appliance designed to safely thaw sealed, frozen food in both commercial and residential kitchens. 
AWE partner Flume hosted a webinar on April 28 to provide a quarterly analysis update on water use across its top 15 US Metropolitan Areas during Q1 2022. Flume reviewed indoor and outdoor residential water use patterns, and appliance and fixture level data from its nationwide network of sensors. 
AWE Partner City of Charlottesville (VA) has hired CMTA Energy Solutions to assess over 40 buildings in its government and school portfolio, seeking opportunities to drastically reduce energy and water use, achieve high levels of utility bill savings, and add renewable energy systems. Cost savings strategies and systems upgrades under consideration include standardizing HVAC equipment, HVAC controls, and plumbing fixtures citywide. 
The agenda for the Next Generation Water Summit (NGWS) has been finalized. The NGWS returns virtually May 19-20, 2022 with the theme "Growth in the Time of Drought." There will be multiple tracks devoted to this pressing issue, as well as multiple, concurrent tracks each day featuring national speakers and topics. Two national tracks will take place on Thursday, May 19th immediately after the opening keynote by Robert Glennon. Thursday’s highlights include:
The Value of Water Campaign conducted its annual survey of voter support for water infrastructure investment. The survey found that 84% of respondents believe that a reliable water supply is extremely or very important. Another 12% said somewhat important.
With 99% of Utah in severe drought and 28 of Utah's largest 45 reservoirs below 55% of available capacity, Utah has adopted a dozen new laws intended to support water efficiency and conservation and to protect the Great Salt Lake. The laws include a statewide turf buy-back program, $250 million for metering, and a requirement to integrate land use and water planning. 
It's that time of year again to hunt down the drips for Fix a Leak Week! This annual initiative from EPA WaterSense encourages homeowners across the country to fix water-wasting leaks in toilets, faucets, irrigation systems, and other places in and around the house. Participate this year from March 14-20 through family fun runs, leak detection contests, WaterSense demonstrations, and more. Fix a Leak Week events happen from coast to coast and are all geared to teach you how to find and fix household leaks. 
Did you miss out on the opportunity to educate your customers during Fix-A-Leak Week? AWE partner Green Media Creations, a leader in water conservation education and outreach, offers different options to present their Leak Detection class, which includes providing an on-demand option. Your customers can watch at their leisure!
AWE Partner City of Roseville (CA) offers multiple resources for residents and commercial businesses to conserve water, including house calls, rebates, workshops, events and online tools. Their programs helped reduce water use 27% between November 2020 and November 2021. 
There's still time to register for the 7th Biennial Emerging Water Technology Symposium (EWTS), to be held in San Antonio, TX, May 11-12, 2022.
AWE is excited to announce the addition of two exemplary wholesalers to the G480-20 Leaderboard: Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and Upper Trinity Regional Water District (TX).
The Alliance for Water Efficiency once again praised the Department of Energy (DOE) for reversing Trump-era rulemakings that undermined water efficiency standards. On December 16, 2021, DOE reversed weakened showerhead standards, and similar rules for dishwashers and clothes washers were restored effective February 18, 2022. AWE had rallied our network to oppose the weakened standards and filed a lawsuit when the rules were adopted over our objections.
Water leaders in Arizona, Nevada, and California signed an agreement last month to voluntarily reduce their take from the Colorado River Basin to help manage steep declines in water supplies due to prolonged drought and climate change that scientists believe is likely to be the new normal. There has been less rain and snow falling on average, and evapotranspiration and dry soils related to warmer temperatures results in less of precipitation making it to rivers and reservoirs. The agreement, known as the “500+ Plan,” was signed at the Colorado River Water Users Association annual meeting in Las Vegas. States are now required to cut 500,000 acre-feet in 2022 and 2023, or enough to serve 1 million to 1.5 million households annually, depending on water usage and conservation in the area. This is viewed as a stop-gap plan to deal with severe water shortages and low water levels in Lakes Mead and Powell. There is growing recognition that a comprehensive water efficiency and conservation plan is needed to manage the trend towards less available water. The plan also requires financial investment from the states. The federal government would match the funding, for a total of $200 million. 
AWE was pleased to contribute research to a new report from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy titled, Integrating Land Use and Water Management. This report describes the overall benefits and connection points between land use and water management; explores existing regulations related to integrated planning, both within comprehensive land use plans and water management plans; provides case studies of successful integrated planning within specific communities; and provides policy recommendations for encouraging and solidifying coordinated planning, whether through regulation or not. 
AWE is excited to welcome Clover Rogers, Conservation Coordinator at Jurupa Community Services District, and Dain Hansen, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) Group, to its Board of Directors!
Dain oversees international, federal legislative, and state policy initiatives impacting the plumbing industry in the U.S. and abroad. Dain also serves on the executive management of IAPMO’s nonprofit arm, the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH).
AWE would like to acknowledge its outgoing Director of Programs, Bill Christiansen, who is leaving the Alliance after over 13 years of service to the organization. Bill earned his Master of Science in Geography from Southern Illinois University in 2002, then got his start in the water resource management field with a consulting firm that specialized in water demand forecasting and water conservation program analysis. As AWE’s first official employee in 2007, Bill led the program department and worked on the Water Efficiency and Conservation State Scorecard, outdoor water savings research, the AWE Water Conservation Tracking Tool, Cooling Tower estimating model and Cooling Technologies study, Sales Forecasting and Rate Model, and much, much more. The Alliance wishes Bill all the best in his future endeavors, and thanks him for his hard work and dedication to water efficiency.
AWE partner Athens-Clarke County is calling for submissions for its Ripple Effect Film Project. This initiative challenges local K-12 students to write, produce, and star in short, water-themed films. This year's theme is "Healthy Water, Healthy World." The finalists' films are shown on the big screen during the Blue Carpet Premiere, where the winners are announced and cash prizes awarded. 
AWE is proud to announce that the City of Santa Barbara has received Platinum Status for the new AWE G480-20 Leaderboard. Santa Barbara, which also achieved a Platinum Status for the Legacy AWE G480-13 Leaderboard, becomes the first utility to be recognized by AWE for complying with the recently updated G480-20 Standard.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency was proud to be a part of the incredibly successful WaterSmart Innovations Conference last month! Thank you to everyone who made it such an educational, productive and fun experience.
AWE Member of the Year Award
AWE's Water Star Award celebrates "unsung heroes" in water conservation, the quiet water conservation practitioner working in the trenches who makes a huge difference by their dedication, passion, and progressive approaches.
Rachio Smart Irrigation Controllers and Flume Smart Home Water Monitors are available at significant discounts for AWE water utility members, with the option to increase the discount in your service area with conservation funds. The sale and delivery of these devices are handled entirely by Rachio and Flume.
Rachio
Registration is open for the 2021 North American Water Loss (NAWL) Conference, to be held in Austin, TX, December 7-9. NAWL is a platform to learn about processes, methods, techniques, and regulatory developments related to strategies for reducing non-revenue water loss. The conference will also feature an Exhibit Hall with leading technology and companies providing solutions. 
The co-conveners of the Emerging Water Technology Symposium (EWTS) are looking forward to welcoming everyone in person May 10-11, 2022 in San Antonio. The conference is seeking abstracts on a variety of topics, including Water-Energy Nexus, Water Efficiency in Buildings, Water Quality Issues, Alternate Water Sources, and more. The abstracts deadline is December 3, 2021. 
to learn more.
Congratulations to all the grant recipients!
AWE Partner Southwest Florida Water Management District has awarded $104,941.81 in Splash! grants to 48 educators. The program provides up to $3,000 per school to enhance knowledge of freshwater resources with hands-on learning among kindergarten through 12th-graders. Grant recipients will take field trips to facilities that offer hands-on environmental education for freshwater or estuarine studies. Funds will also go toward purchasing water quality equipment allowing students to conduct experiments in the classroom. 
World Toilet Day, a United Nations initiative to tackle the global sanitation crisis, is November 19. Today, nearly half the world’s population lives without a 'safely managed sanitation service': a toilet, not shared with other households, that either treats or disposes of human waste on site, stores it safely to be emptied and treated off-site, or connects to a functioning sewer. AWE knows that effective sanitation systems are crucial to a sustainable water future, and has been a continued advocate for investments in plumbing infrastructure. 
AWE and CalWEP are thrilled to release Version 4 of the Water Conservation Tracking Tool. Version 4 represents the biggest update of the Tracking Tool since it was first issued in 2009. The Tracking Tool is an Excel-based model that can be used to evaluate the water savings, costs, and benefits of conservation programs, and is free for AWE members.
Last month, the federal government declared a water shortage for Lake Mead and the Colorado River, meaning that individual states will have water allocations cut starting in January.
Don’t Miss WSI and AWE Meetings in Las Vegas
Conservation Rebate Tax Parity Act
Tucson Water Rainwater Harvesting
Park City & Xylem Tackle Waterloss
AWE partner Orlando Utilities Commission is offering a rebate up to $200 to its customers for installing EPA WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. These devices use local weather and landscape conditions to tailor watering schedules to actual conditions on the site. 
As much of North America continues to deal with severe drought, the Alliance for Water Efficiency is pleased to offer numerous resources to help our members and partners manage the challenges of drought conditions.
Congratulation to AWE Technical Advisor and former Editor of Water Efficiency Watch, Peter Mayer, for winning the George Anderson Award from the AWWA Water Meter Standards Committee. Named for the former chief engineer at Sensus, this lifetime achievement award honors professionals that "actively advance the science of water meters through design innovation, meter operation/management, or the training of others, in a manner that unselfishly serves the mission of the AWWA."
AWE is closely monitoring the 
What is perhaps most remarkable is that the Flume Index will be produced every quarter from now on. No more 17-year waits between end use studies. The Flume Household Water Use Index will be presented every quarter. The Q2 index, scheduled for July 2021, will feature an analysis of leakage in homes across the US in addition to regular reporting on indoor per capita use and outdoor per household use.
AWE's recently-released Cooling Tower Estimating Model (CTEM) and the accompanying guide titled, Taking Inventory: A Guide for Identifying Cooling Towers and Estimating Water Use, is a ground-breaking innovation in cooling tower water efficiency. This first-of-its-kind model is an Excel-based tool that provides an estimated range of the number of water-cooled facilities, number of cooling towers, total cooling capacity, water use, and water conservation potential for a utility service area based on a minimal amount of input data.
AWE recently released a report that evaluates connection fees and service charges by meter size for 50 communities in the United States. The main purpose of this research was to explore connection fees and recurring charges that vary by meter size, and the potential financial implications for water utilities that would be associated with a possible trend in downsizing the meter sizes of new connections. This work was prompted by recent innovations in pipe-sizing methodologies and the increased interest in right-sizing plumbing systems, along with the potential efficiency and conservation impacts that may result from these changes.
The WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI) is the largest urban water-efficiency conference of its kind in the world. Presented by the Southern Nevada Water Authority, AWE, and numerous other forward-thinking organizations, WSI is recognized as the world's pre-eminent urban water efficiency conference. Join us October 6-7 in Las Vegas for this exciting gathering of water efficiency professionals. 
Register today for The Next Generation Water Summit, an annual conference bringing together the building and development community, water reuse professionals, and water policymakers in a collaborative setting. This year's summit will be held virtually from June 2-4, 2021. Don't miss this opportunity to share best practices and learn about innovative water conservation and water reuse techniques. AWE's Director of Programs, Bill Christiansen, will be one of the speakers, alongside numerous AWE members and partners. 
Early bird pricing ends May 26 for the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) Peer to Peer 2021, which will be held virtually June 2-3. The 5th Annual Peer to Peer will give water professionals an opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow. From webinars where you can earn CEUs, to peer-designed and peer-run workshops, this not-to-be missed conference will combine high-quality content and easy-to-access digital engagement to AWE/CalWEP members and partners. Register early to save $50! 
The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is excited to announce the hiring of Ron Burke as its new President and CEO. After spending the first twenty years of his career working on environmental policy and programs for nonprofits, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Illinois EPA, Ron has devoted the last decade to leading a sustainable transportation nonprofit and, more recently, working in the private sector with Lyft Bikes and Scooters.
AWE has released its highly-anticipated Cooling Tower Estimating Model (CTEM) and the accompanying guide titled, Taking Inventory: A Guide for Identifying Cooling Towers and Estimating Water Use. The AWE Cooling Tower Estimating Model (CTEM) is an Excel-based tool that provides an estimated range of the number of water-cooled facilities, number of cooling towers, total cooling capacity, water use, and water conservation potential for a utility service area based on a minimal amount of input data. CTEM can also be used to develop a cooling tower inventory, a critical first step in creating or refining a cooling tower water efficiency program.
AWE Board Vice-Chair Ron Voglewede, Global Sustainability Director at Whirlpool Corporation, is one of 14 Michigan experts appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to the state’s new Council on Climate Solutions. The Council was created in September, 2020 and acts in an advisory capacity to Governor Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to formulate and oversee the implementation of the Michigan Healthy Climate Plan, which will serve as the action plan for this state to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economywide carbon neutrality.
Save the dates for the WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI) in Las Vegas, October 6-7, 2021. Presented by the Southern Nevada Water Authority and numerous forward-thinking organizations, WSI is the largest urban water-efficiency conference of its kind in the world.
The American Water Works Association released an update to its voluntary G480 Standard in February. The standard titled, Water Conservation and Efficiency Program Operation and Management, 
Save the dates for the annual EPA WaterSense Fix a Leak Week, March 15-21, 2021. WaterSense created new tools to assist with planning and implementing remote outreach efforts:
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced a final rule that adopts a revised definition for "showerhead," and separate definitions for "body spray" and "safety shower showerhead". These products are exempt from current efficiency standards, meaning that the shower in this picture will now be legal. 
Every land use decision is a water management decision—especially when a land use or development is located within a municipality’s drinking water source watershed. Join AWE and the Water and Planning Network on Thursday, January 14 at 1 p.m. CST for a webinar titled, “A Glass Half Full: Planning and Source Water Protection.” Learn how a team of land use and environmental planners worked with a Water Utility and developed a Source Water Protection Plan and Policy that will better link land use and water management decisions for The City of Calgary.
Julie Hernandez-Tomlin is the first woman to serve as First Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM). With 22 years of water utility experience, she brings a comprehensive understanding of budgeting and finance, personnel, labor relations and procurement to her position. Second-in-command of one of the world’s largest water utilities, she manages the daily operations of Chicago’s water system and provides the expertise necessary for implementing the vision of the department to lead the nation in providing high quality water in a cost effective and sustainable manner.
Paula Paciorek is the Water Programs and Education Manager for Houston Water. She is responsible for developing and guiding the strategy for water conservation efforts in Houston via the implementation of best management practices and measures and cost-effective programs within the City and through its residential, industrial-commercial-institutional (ICI) and wholesale customers. In addition, Paula is responsible for the development and implementation of resource recovery and water loss reduction strategies and measures, as well as the Drought Contingency plan.
AWE is now offering our members discounted access to Open Channel Systems, a software platform from Radian Developers that combines business analytics with conservation and communications tools to comprehensively manage finished water. Instead of drowning in data from AMI systems, utilities now have the opportunity to systematically manage, protect, extend, and utilize these data to improve the management of water resources.
Jill Greiner is the Water Efficiency Program Coordinator at City of Charlottesville in Virginia, She is also the Chair of AWE's Education and Outreach Committee.
AWE's 
Experts in the field of urban water efficiency and conservation are invited to submit presentation proposals for the 13th WaterSmart Innovations Conference and Exposition (WSI), slated for Oct. 6-7 in Las Vegas. Professionals, scientists, government employees, public- and private-sector institutions, policymakers, students, and all others working in an industry related to water efficiency are invited to submit a proposal for an oral presentation, panel discussion or workshop. No formal manuscript is required; however, the presentations are posted online after the conference. Abstracts for presentations must be submitted by March 2, 2021. 
Join the California Irrigation Institute for a virtual conference, February 1-2, 2021. Anyone with an interest in agricultural or urban water management should attend this conference. There will be a diverse group of attendees that includes agricultural and urban water purveyors, manufacturers, engineers, consultants and government agencies.
Register today for the 36th Annual WateReuse Symposium, a virtual event that will include two components: Live roundtables March 15-25, 2021 (one roundtable per day), and approximately 24 pre-recorded on demand roundtable discussions that will be released on March 1.
Experience the AWWA Annual Conference & Exposition (ACE) June 13-16, 2021. This year, because of the pandemic, you have the option to either attend in-person in San Diego, or to join virtually from your home or office.
President Trump has signed a new Executive Order to address water infrastructure across the country, including establishing a new "interagency subcabinet" to streamline decisions. While Interior Secretary David Bernhardt claims the order will "…cut bureaucratic red tape and improve water infrastructure," critics have argued that the order simply seeks to redirect water to western farmers. In particular, there is concern about action item No. 1, a directive to "increase water storage, water supply reliability and drought resiliency." In the west, this typically means moving limited water supplies away from the environment in favor of agricultural water use. 
The Alliance for Water Efficiency awarded grants to eight organizations for the construction or improvement of educational gardens to be used to teach about outdoor water use efficiency.
Central Arkansas Water (CAW) hired a unique employee last year to bolster the utility’s distribution system leak detection capabilities. What makes this employee unique? She’s a black Labrador mix named Vessel, and she’s the first canine in North America to serve as a leak-sniffing dog. Join AWE and CAW on December 2 at 1 p.m. CST for a webinar describing Vessel’s amazing story.
This year's California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP) Peer to Peer is going to be a little different (besides the fact that it's fully virtual, of course). Register today for Peer to Peer Reimagined, to be held December 8-10, 2020.
AWE is proud to award its 2020 Water Star Award to Bill Hoffman! This award celebrates the "unsung hero," the quiet water conservation practitioner working in the trenches who makes a huge difference by their dedication, passion, and progressive approaches to move forward our field.
AWE is excited to welcome Brad Spilka to the AWE team as a Program Associate! Brad will be working closely with Director of Programs, Bill Christiansen, on AWE's planning, policy analysis, research, and technical assistance projects.
Last month the City of Hillsboro Water Department commissioned the first installation of the In-PRV pressure recovery valve from InPipe Energy, an exciting collaboration between two AWE members. The new system, which is installed at the Gordon Faber Recreation Complex, provides precise pressure management for Hillsboro Water while generating up to 200,000 kWh of electricity per year. That will amount to nearly a million dollars’ worth of electricity over the life of the project.
Metrus Energy is a full-service project finance company, providing project development and financing services for energy efficiency, water efficiency, energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and solar projects at commercial, industrial and public facilities. Their model reduces risk, as customers only pay for realized savings with no out of pocket capital expense. This method is expressed in the latest GASB guidance, and means that projects stay off-balance sheet.
The Bureau of Reclamation projects that Lake Powell will lose another 21 feet of water by the end of this year, leaving it at 41% of its storage capacity. Brian Richter, president of 
Congratulations to the 
AWE mourns the passing of a major force in water conservation: Warren C. Liebold, the retired Director of Metering and Conservation at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. Warren passed away suddenly on August 10th, 2020.
AWE is hosting a series of courses on water efficiency and conservation with the legendary Amy Vickers! The first introductory course on Water Conservation Planning will be split into two sessions to be held on September 9 and September 17, both at 1 p.m. CDT. Amy will incorporate the basic steps from her widely referenced Handbook of Water Use and Conservation and other planning sources (limited copies of The Handbook are available for $55 + $9.95 S&H).
The United States is underinvesting in its drinking water and wastewater systems—putting American households and the economy at risk, according to a new report released today by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Value of Water Campaign. The report, The report, The Economic Benefits of Investing in Water Infrastructure: How a Failure to Act Would Affect the U.S. Economy Recovery, finds that as water infrastructure deteriorates and service disruptions increase, annual costs to American households due to water and wastewater failures will be seven times higher in 20 years than they are today — from $2 billion in 2019 to $14 billion by 2039. 
Matthew Scott Dickens is the Resource and Conservation Manager at 
The annual WaterSmart Innovations (WSI) conference has gone virtual for 2020. Every Wednesday from September 23-October 28, WSI will hold free, 90-minute webinars on a variety of topics including Marketing, Education, Landscaping, Conservation, and Water Loss.
The 2020 WateReuse Symposium will launch online September 14-16 using virtual event software to offer attendees, sponsors, exhibitors, and presenters an experience very close to the experience of a live event. Participate in the Symposium from any location and at your convenience—view presentations and chat with co-attendees, including sponsors and exhibitors.
Near the end of the Spring semester at the University of Virginia—after all teaching had moved online—Brian Richter of Sustainable Waters began checking in regularly with his students to see how they were holding up under the pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Most of them had moved back into their parents’ houses for the time being, and many were clearly disappointed to have lost exciting internships, or had cancelled travel plans for the summer.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency envisions a future with reliable and sustainable water resources, healthy ecosystems, and economically strong communities. This future is not possible in a system that does not serve all people equitably. AWE supports all those working towards a more just and inclusive society today and every day.
The Texas Living Waters Project conducted an analysis of water conservation practices and policies of over 350 water utilities across Texas and published the results in the 2020 Texas Water Conservation Scorecard, an update to the 2016 report. The study found that while there has been some meaningful progress on a number of the evaluation criteria in the last four years, overall Texas water utilities as a group have not significantly improved their efforts on water conservation. 
The water efficiency community lost a very valuable partner in April of this year. For over three decades, Tom Ash has devoted his life and energy to the cause of water conservation and water budget-based rates. A horticulturalist by training with a degree from Cal Poly Pomona, Tom started his conservation career at the Irvine Ranch Water District in 1991, and during his 12 years there he pioneered the concept of water budget-based rates at his agency and became the most devoted advocate in the country on its benefits. Like a true missionary, he worked with countless other water utilities on their landscape water efficiency programs and water budget-based rates over the course of his career. For 8 years he also worked with Hydropoint to promote smart weather-based irrigation controllers. He appeared before dozens of water district boards and city councils. He spoke at many water conservation gatherings, like this California Water Efficiency Partnership “Peer to Peer” conference in Anaheim in 2019. He wrote two books on water efficiency. He gave a memorable 
His passing is mourned by a host of water efficiency leaders, all of whom relied on his deep knowledge, his enthusiasm, and his friendship over the decades. Because Tom passed away during the COVID pandemic, his family is hoping to hold a memorial service when his colleagues and friends are able to attend and pay their respects in person. The family is also asking that donations be made to 
ConserveTrack
AWE is rallying the national water efficiency network to help strongly support the WaterSense® program. Yes, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced in a Federal Register notice that it is not making any changes at this time in WaterSense® efficiency specifications for toilets, showerheads and faucets. While that appears to be innocuous, the notice goes on to state that EPA is also seeking public comment and information on consumer satisfaction with the WaterSense® program and its labeled products. This notice, published in the Federal Register on Friday, April 10, 2020, requires that public comments be filed by June 9, 2020.
May 5, 2020 is #GivingTuesdayNow, a new global day of giving and unity that will take place in addition to the regularly scheduled December 1, 2020 #GivingTuesday. 
Jennifer is the Deputy Director for Texas Water Programs at the 
AWE launched a fabulous brand-new member benefit in February: discounted access to the AIQUEOUS WaterWays® Rebate Management Platform. Built on the industry-leading Salesforce.com Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, WaterWays is a cloud-based solution for water efficiency program delivery and management, which features online rebate applications for customers and management of those rebate applications, as well as reporting summaries for the utility in a convenient dashboard format. AWE members can license WaterWays (and also WaterRebates.com if desired) at a discounted annual rate of only $3,600 per year. 
EPA’s WaterSense Program is once again launching Fix-a-Leak Week from March 16-22, and WaterSense partners from across the country are kicking off the week by tweeting #FixaLeak. You can join everyone by chirping in your own Fix a Leak Week plans or promotions. On March 18, 2020 sign up for the Joint WaterSense and ENERGY STAR Webinar: “Fix-a-Leak With WaterSense and Beat Water Waste.”
World Water Day is March 22! This year’s theme is about water and climate change, and how the two are inextricably linked. Learn more 
Lake Mead has reached its highest level in six years after successful efforts to slash water use and the welcome addition of snow. The increase in water supply is crucial because Lake Mead, which is fed by the Colorado River, provides water to more than 40 million people in seven states in the fast-growing Southwest. Conservation programs from utilities in the region, including AWE partners the Southern Nevada Water Authority, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and the Irvine Ranch Water District, are largely responsible for the turnaround. However, water managers caution that measures such as greater use of groundwater will be needed when the reservoir likely resumes its decline in the coming decades amid population growth and a warming climate. 
AWE’s Exemplary Programs series showcases creative solutions to water utility conservation programs. On Thursday April 16 at 11 a.m. CDT we will feature two utility programs: 1) The Municipal Water District of Orange County and its regional water loss management program where MWDOC’s shared services provide their retail water suppliers flexible and cost effective access to specific water loss control technologies and expertise to improve water loss within their systems; and 2) the Southern Nevada Water Authority with its fire pumping simulator program, which recirculates the pumped water used in fire training exercises. Instead of using up to 300,000 gallons per training day, they use less than 2,000 gallons. This will be a great webinar, so watch for the registration notice.
A new documentary film, Brave Blue World, explores how humanity is adopting new technologies and innovations to rethink how we manage water. The film reveals an optimistic future as it tells the stories of water pioneers who are implementing groundbreaking solutions to address global water and sanitation challenges. 
AWE partner Whirlpool has completed two studies on water conservation and water quality which they are willing to share with AWE members. The first study explores the savings and water quality issues associated with the ReNEWW House at Purdue, showing that water quality can vary by room and by the season. 
Amy Talbot is the Water Efficiency Program Manager for Regional Water Authority in the Sacramento, California region. She sits on the Board of Directors for the California Water Efficiency Partnership and the Alliance for Water Efficiency.
Has your city, county or utility actively promoted outdoor water-use efficiency? If so, nominate your utility for a Smart Water Application Technologies (SWAT) award! These awards recognize water providers committed to promoting outdoor water use efficiency by building partnerships with landscape and irrigation professionals and engaging with end users. The application deadline is March 31, 2020. 
In July, 2018 AWE held 
Copies of the National Edition of the AWE/CalWEP Practical Plumbing Handbook are still available! This handbook, which provides basic information on how to perform preventative maintenance on fixtures in your home, is a great resource for utilities to hand out to customers. The California Edition has sold tens of thousands of copies. Pricing is as follows:
Three State agencies in California have released a 
World Water Day, an annual United Nations day of observance that highlights the importance of freshwater, is on March 22. This year’s theme is “water and climate change” and how the two are inextricably linked. 
AWE’s Lacey Smith spoke with Dr. Kelly Kopp, 
For some time, AWE has been concerned about the issue of multiple showerheads in single shower stalls, and particularly how the subject is treated in green stretch codes that stress water efficiency. After some negotiation, on November 7th AWE and the Plumbing Manufacturers International (PMI) came to an agreement and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to deal with this issue. AWE had been concerned that differing provisions were being considered at many green codes and standards venues: IAPMO’s Water Efficiency and Sanitation Standard (WE-Stand); ASHRAE’s Standard 189.1 Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings; the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED); the WaterSense® Homes specification; and other such forums. At issue was whether these green codes would potentially allow multiple showerheads that flow in excess of 2.0 gpm in shower compartments designed for only one person. The agreement reached between AWE and PMI will work to ensure water efficiency in green homes and buildings, and also work to provide harmonization of requirements in green codes and standards on this important issue.
Together with the California Water Efficiency Partnership (CalWEP), AWE has been working on a project to enable better purchasing and implementation of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) by water utilities across North America. Released earlier this year is a 
Each year, AWE presents The Water Star Award in recognition for individual excellence in water efficiency and to celebrate the “unsung hero” who makes a significant impact by their quiet dedication, passion, and progressive approaches to move water efficiency and conservation forward.
You have probably heard about AWE’s exciting Cooling Technology study that has been underway since January. Why is it exciting? For the most part, cooling towers are a poorly understood end use of water, and they represent a huge water savings opportunity. AWE is generating tools and resources to help its members tap into this potential and to enable utilities to take their conservation programs to the next level. 
AWE’s Lacey Smith spoke with Carl Yates, President of Yates Water Management Inc to get his unique perspective on water efficiency after he led Halifax Water in its ground-breaking programs to control water loss. Yates is the former General Manager of Halifax Water, and currently serves on the Board of Directors of AWE. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
California has been plagued with an extraordinary number of wildfires this fall, causing much damage and hardship. Strategies are being sought to help communities create defensible space landscaping to help curb wildfire damage. CalWEP’s Winter Plenary on December 11 in Santa Barbara will address this issue. Trathen Heckman, Founder and Director of Daily Acts Organization, will present the Keynote: Fire Survivor Garden Installations. In partnership with the Sonoma County Water Agency and the City of Santa Rosa, Daily Acts developed eight templates for scalable water/fire/resource resilient landscape designs. These designs are intended to expedite permit approval installation of new landscaping in areas impacted by the fire.