Water policy in California gets decided in long meetings. Rate hearings. Bond measures. Hiring plans. Most people never see the room.
CAAWEF is in that room. We work so public officials understand what their decisions cost Black ratepayers.
None of this happens alone. We work with partners to protect these communities, to speak for them, and to make room for them.
Water News Digest
West County Wastewater's upgrade adds solar, a microgrid and new solids equipment at its Richmond plant. It is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by over 90 percent and save about $83 million over its lifetime.
Read the sourceAt the start of Flood Preparedness Week, the state Department of Water Resources asked households to plan ahead for storms. It notes that more than seven million Californians live in areas at risk of flooding.
Read the sourceThe IID board approved grants for 13 projects from nine local agencies in its service area, including upgrades to drinking water systems and stormwater facilities.
Read the sourceWhat we do
The water industry is public, technical, and slow to open. We work on all three fronts at once.
Most Californians do not know how their water reaches them. We explain it. Who sets the rates, who runs the plants, who pays the bill.
Black water professionals get training and mentorship inside the industry. The goal is advancement, not just a way in the door.
The industry hires narrow. We widen the door for workers and for contractors, and we lower the cost of getting in.
Community knowledge is unmatched.
CAAWEF brings the lived experiences of African Americans to the public officials making decisions about their water.
Programs
Three programs, built for three different points in a career.
Mid-career
Five in-person sessions for mid-level managers in water and energy. Built with Water Education for Latino Leaders.
College
Eight sessions for first and second year college students. Industry professionals do the teaching.
Entry
Three certified pathways into the industry. Drinking water, wastewater, and operator-in-training.
By the numbers
That is why the decisions matter, and why somebody has to watch them.