CWEA has been California's leader in wastewater training and certification since 1927. Every year, CWEA offers hundreds of educational events locally, regionally, and state-wide, training thousands of wastewater professionals annually.

CWEA also certifies wastewater professionals in six specialties, with up to four grade levels each: Collection System Maintenance, Wastewater Treatment Plant Maintenance, Laboratory Analysis, Biosolids Land Application Management, Environmental Compliance Inspection, and Industrial Treatment Plant Operations. Of CWEA's 7,200 members, 3,577 currently hold certificates. Each year CWEA give approximately 1,100 tests through a complex set of 21 validated certifications. Many wastewater agencies use the certificate as a basis for hiring and promotion decisions.

CWEA also recognizes outstanding wastewater professionals and agencies through local and statewide annual awards programs that include over 20 categories and gives out over 350 awards for the service and accomplishments of our members.

Most of CWEA's members (about 80 percent) work for wastewater agencies, both large and small, throughout the state. About 13 percent work for consulting engineering firms that work closely with agencies. And approximately 3 percent work for equipment manufacturers serving the wastewater industry.