ACWA Accepting Applications for 2026 Fall Awards

ACWA is now accepting applications for fall awards, the winners of which will be announced at the 2026 Fall Conference in Anaheim. The award program is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate innovative agencies and exceptional water leaders.

Excellence in Innovation Award

This award recognizes successful innovations by member agencies that continue to support and drive California toward long-term water resilience. Sponsored by CDM Smith, the award recognizes groundbreaking and unique programs, projects, practices and/or technologies implemented by ACWA member agencies.

The winning agency and award finalists will share their innovations on a panel during ACWA's Fall Conference. In addition, the winning agency will receive $5,000 to create a video highlighting their innovation.

More information about this award, including complete eligibility guidelines and the entry form, is available on ACWA's website . The application deadline is Sept. 1.

Excellence in Communication Award

The Huell Howser Excellence in Communication Award honors outstanding public water agency efforts in communicating important information to customers, legislators, media, the public and others. The award focuses on projects and programs that quantifiably meet an agency's public information, communications or outreach goals in an innovative way while making effective use of available resources.

More information about this award, including complete eligibility guidelines and the online application, is available on ACWA's website . The application deadline is Sept. 1.

Emissary Award

The John P. Fraser Emissary Award honors individual ACWA member volunteers who have made remarkable and visible contributions to the enhancement, protection or development of water resources in California by participating in, supporting and advancing ACWA's mission and goals.

More information about this award, including complete eligibility guidelines and the nomination form , is available on ACWA's website . The nomination deadline is Sept. 1.

Outreach Awards

Throughout the year, ACWA asks its members to take action on important legislative and regulatory issues, helping create a coalition that directly affects the outcomes of numerous decisions and advances the association's legislative and regulatory agenda. ACWA's Outreach Awards recognize the most active member agency in each region, as well as an overall winner and winners in three special outreach categories.

More information regarding regional and overall outreach awards is available on ACWA's website . The application deadline is Oct. 1.

Questions

For questions regarding the Excellence in Communication, Excellence in Innovation or Emissary awards, please contact ACWA Director of Communications Heather Engel at (916) 669-2387.

For questions regarding the ACWA Outreach awards, please contact Senior Regional Affairs Representative Jennifer Rotz at (916) 669-2373.