Tools and Trainings

Many of our tools and trainings are available to members only*.

WUE Implementation Guides

This exclusive member-only resource includes guides for variety of topics to help members launch, refine, and grow their water efficiency programs

Explore the Guides

2015 Toolkit

Jumpstart Water Shortage Toolkit (2015)

This legacy CUWCC resource from 2015 includes Model Water Shortage Contingency Plans, Water Waste Ordinances and Enforcement Primer, Water Shortage Pricing Primer, Water Loss and Supply Alternatives Primer, Customer Programs and Communication/Outreach Primer, Local Water Supply Fact Sheet, Water Use and Loss Awareness Resources, Water School Curriculum, and Water Resource Funding Primer

Updated 2021 Toolkit

Tool #1: Model Water Shortage Contingency Plans

This tool provides model Water Shortage Contingency Plans(WSCP) and has been updated to reflect new requirements for urban water suppliers’ 2020 Urban Water Management Plans (UWMP).

Tool #2: Water Waste Ordinances, Allotments, and Enforcement

This tool provides examples of how water agencies implemented and enforced water waste ordinances in 2012-2017, what they learned, the changes they made for the current and/or future droughts, and advice for those interested in implementing a similar program.

Tool #3: Drought Communications Primer

This primer identifies popular and effective water efficiency programs, along with the communication and outreach strategies that have been used by California water suppliers to educate customers, influence water use behaviors, and realize water savings.

Tool #4: Water Use and Waste Awareness Programs

In this tool, we explore how different water agencies are using new and enhanced metering, sensor, and aerial imaging technology to provide useful data for tackling drought enforcement and conservation programming while providing customers with the tools they need to become effective water managers.

Landscape Tools

Landscape Conversion Criteria Tool

CalWEP has updated and reissued its Landscape Conversion Criteria Tool intended to assist turf rebate program managers design effective and progressive rebate criteria.

California Watershed Approach to Landscape Design

Written and designed by G3: Green Gardens Group, this publication was made possible with funding from the California Water Efficiency Partnership, Surfrider Foundation, Water Efficiency Trust and the generous sponsors of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers California Chapter.

 

QWEL Training

QUALIFIED WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPER

CalWEP is a Professional Certifying Organization for QWEL training, which offers an affordable, proactive, local approach to reducing landscape water demand. QWEL is a WaterSense professional certification program that provides water conservation professionals and the landscape workforce with a thorough understanding of sustainable landscaping and efficient irrigation principles and practices. 

CalWEP is proud to be partnering with Bay Area agencies for the BayQWEL Training Program. These trainings are now offered online! Spanish online classes are launching in March 2021. Contact [email protected] for more information!

 

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AWE Conservation Tracking Tool

  • Develop long-range conservation plans. Construct conservation portfolios containing up to 50 separate conservation program activities.
  • Quickly compare alternative conservation measures in terms of their water savings potential, impact on system costs, and potential benefits to utility customers.
  • Track the implementation, water savings, costs, and benefits of actual conservation activities over time.
  • Evaluate a utility’s changing revenue requirement with conservation.
  • Estimate the reduction in GHG emissions resulting from plumbing/energy codes and conservation program activity.
Use The Tool*

Additional CalWEP and AWE Tools

 

Home Water Works Calculator

Want to conserve water? Not sure where to start? Our Water Calculator quickly estimates how much water your household uses and compares it to a similar average and a highly efficient home.

The Water Calculator also shows you where to begin your home water conservation efforts. Throughout Home Water Works, you’ll find useful tips and resources for saving water and money without sacrificing comfort or convenience. The Home Water Works web site was created by the Alliance for Water Efficiency and was made possible by a grant from The Home Depot Foundation. The water calculator was originally created by The Field Museum and was modified for this web site by the Alliance for Water Efficiency in cooperation with The Field Museum.

Calculate Your Use
 

BMP Reporting Resources

CalWEP has archived all of the California Urban Water Conservation Council (CUWCC) resources on Best Management Practices or, BMPs. This includes:

BMP 1: Utility Operations
BMP 2: Public Education & School Education
BMP 3: Residential Programs
BMP 4: Commercial, Industrial, and Industrial Programs
BMP 5: Landscape Programs

Explore BMP Resources
 

Planning Tools & Models

Members of CalWEP have free or reduced cost access to several planning tools and models. To access these tools, log into MyCalWEP or contact CalWEP staff.

  • Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA) Tool Spreadsheet
  • Decision Support System (DSS) Model
  • Direct Utility Avoided Costs/Environmental Benefits Models
Request Info*