Average water use in California
- Environment 40%
- Agriculture 50%
- Cities 10%
Drought and climate change have pushed California’s once mighty Chinook salmon population to the brink of extinction. How do we restore our rivers? By using less water, wasting less and recycling what we use. We are getting there. Agriculture is working with California’s universities, while Californians and businesses work with their water utilities.
2017-2047
New water conservation technicians starting out in 2017 will see four trends grow during their careers.
Watershed management
Water conservation, which has focused on reducing water use, is evolving into watershed management — focusing on strategies that reduce water use, create new water supply and improve water quality.
New urban landscapes
Cities are replacing concrete and asphalt with landscape to capture and clean polluted stormwater and recharge the groundwater below, while residents replace lawns with native, water efficient habitat for birds and bees.
Industrial water efficiency
Coca Cola launched a water efficiency program in 2007. In 2016, the company achieved net zero water use, through water efficiency and the restoration of water resources across the globe. Large companies now see water efficiency as critical to sustainability.
Building ordinances
Build a home in California and it must have a water efficient landscape. Develop buildings in San Francisco and they must have their own alternative water supply and, now, a green roof to reduce stormwater runoff. Other cities will follow.
Watershed management
Watershed management
New urban landscapes
Industrial efficiency
Industrial efficiency
Ordinances
What you do
As Californians reduce their water use, they reduce water withdrawals from the state’s rivers, and they reduce the urgency, scale and cost of developing new water supplies like desalination plants. Water conservation professionals show home and business owners why conservation is critical and how to do it.
Water use audits
Water conservation technicians meet with home and business owners, check their plumbing fixtures, appliances, irrigation system and landscape, and recommend water saving strategies.
Incentives
Water conservation and public affairs staff promote incentives, such as a cash rebate when a homeowner purchases water efficient sprinklers, and administer the rebate program.
Public outreach
Water conservation and public affairs staff create videos, webpages, brochures and workshops that teach home and business owners how to conserve and why they should.
Reporting
Water conservation staff monitor, calculate and report water savings data to the State of California and other water agencies.
Water conservation
How to get started
Do a year of hard work
Many agencies want applicants with irrigation experience.
Take courses
Learn about water conservation programs and California’s and Nevada’s water resources.
Pass the WUEP exam
Pass the Grade 1 Water Use Efficiency Practitioner certification exam.
Career Pathway
Public Affairs Manager
Annual salary
$80,000-$124,000
Sample job description
Irvine Ranch Water District
Minimum qualifications for this job
Certification
Not required
Experience
3-5 years in public relations, demonstrated ability to manage people and projects, and experience as a media spokesperson
Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Public Affairs Representative
Annual salary
$61,000-$95,000
Sample job description
Irvine Ranch Water District
Minimum qualifications for this job
Certification
Not required
Experience
3 years in public affairs, community outreach and educational programs
Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Water Conservation Specialist
Annual salary
$62,000-$78,000
Sample job description
Helix Water District
Minimum qualifications for this job
Certification
At time of hire or within 1-2 years:
Level 1 Water Use Efficiency Practitioner OR
Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Experience
3-5 years in public affairs, community outreach and educational programs
Education
Bachelor’s Degree
Water Conservation Technician
Annual salary
$57,000-$72,000
Sample job description
Helix Water District
Minimum qualifications for this job
Certification
At time of hire or within 1-2 years:
Level 1 Water Use Efficiency Practitioner OR
Landscape Irrigation Auditor
Experience
3-5 years in administrative, customer service, education or water conservation role
Education
High school diploma or GED
Certification
Grade 3
Minimum qualifications for certification
Pass the Grade 3 exam
Minimum qualifications to take the exam
Option 1
– Associate’s degree
– 4 years of experience in water use efficiency
– Grade 2 certification for at least 6 months.
Option 2
– Bachelor’s degree
– 3 years of experience in water use efficiency
– Grade 2 certification for 6 months.
Grade 2
Minimum qualifications for certification
Pass the Grade 2 exam
Minimum qualifications to take the exam
Option 1
– High school diploma or GED
– 3 years of experience in water use efficiency
– Grade 1 certification for at least 6 months.
Option 2
– Associate’s degree
– 2 years of experience in water use efficiency
– Grade 1 certification for at least 6 months.
Option 3
– Bachelor’s degree
– 18 months of experience in water use efficiency
– Grade 1 certification for 6 months.
Grade 1
Minimum qualifications for certification
Pass Grade 1 exam
Minimum qualifications to take the exam
Education
High school diploma or GED
Courses to take
Courses
For Level 1-3 Certification
Introduction to Water Technology
Water Conservation
Horticulture (recommended)
Irrigation (recommended)