City of Santa Barbara Earns Platinum-Level Recognition for Implementation of the AWWA G480 Water Conservation and Efficiency Program Standard

AWE is proud to recognize the City of Santa Barbara for achieving Platinum-level recognition for its implementation of the ANSI-AWWA G480-25 Water Conservation and Efficiency Program Operation and Management Standard.

The voluntary G480 standard provides a comprehensive framework for effective water conservation and efficiency programs, covering everything from system operations to customer engagement and education. To achieve Platinum Status, a water department must reach 95% compliance with the standard's requirements, demonstrating that conservation and efficiency have been woven into the most critical aspects of both supply-side and demand management. This includes billing and rates, customer education, conservation programs, and water loss control.

One notable aspect of Santa Barbara’s conservation program is its strong emphasis on education and customer engagement. The City has raised awareness of water-efficiency issues through school programs, newsletters and leak alerts, while supporting conservation through landscape and irrigation reviews, rebates, and training for local landscape professionals.

Additionally, in earning this distinction, the City of Santa Barbara has demonstrated its commitment not only to conservation and efficiency, but to securing its community's public health and safety and protecting the environment.

As a membership benefit, AWE offers free third-party G480 review to all its members, making Platinum-level recognition a significant accomplishment that reflects substantial resources, staff time, and planning.

Congratulations to the City of Santa Barbara team on serving as an example to the water community through this commitment to conservation! Interested in learning more about the certification process and how your utility can get involved? Reach out to research@a4we.org.