G480-20 Standard and AWE Leaderboard
The G480-20 Water Conservation and Efficiency Program Operation and Management Standard (G480 Standard) is a voluntary standard that can be adopted by water providers at their own discretion. The G480-20 Standard describes the critical elements of an effective water conservation and efficiency program. This standard encompasses activities undertaken by a utility within its own operations to improve water use on the supply side upstream of customer meters through distribution system management, and on the demand side through customer billing and education practices. A conservation program meeting this standard has the potential to impact all water users.
The G480-20 Standard includes the following voluntary requirements:
- Dedicated staff for conservation initiative (point of contact)
- Conservation and efficiency planning
- Integrated resources planning
- Water shortage or drought plan
- Public information and education
- Water waste ordinance
- Universal metering and source water metering practices
- Nonpromotional water rate
- Monthly billing based on metered use
- Clear definition of water use units in gallons or liters
- Landscape efficiency program
- Water loss control program
Additional requirements and verification components are described in detail in the standard document itself. To purchase a copy, click here to go to the American Water Works Association (AWWA) website. 
AWE G480 Verification (Member-Only Benefit)
AWE is verifying utility compliance with the G480-20 Standard. AWE will review and verify submissions from current members free of charge (Please note that in the event of a complex submission that requires excessive AWE staff time, AWE may need to charge a processing fee. Complex submissions can be avoided by carefully following the checklist instructions). AWE members can request the AWE G480-20 Compliance Checklist here. If not already, sign-in below to gain access to further information. Not a current AWE member, join now!
The AWE G480-13 Legacy Leaderboard can be viewed here.
The AWE G480 Leaderboard recognizes exemplary water utilities that have adopted and complied with the voluntary G480 Standard. In addition to the standard being voluntary, verification and participation in the AWE G480 Leaderboard are also voluntary.
Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (CA)
East Bay Municipal Utility District (CA)
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (CA)
Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (CA)
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