Toolkit for Water Professionals Appreciation Week Oct. 4-12 Sep 4, 2025 Member Tools California’s Water Professionals Appreciation Week kicks off Oct. 4, honoring the vital role of water industry professionals and local public water agencies in ensuring safe and reliable water, wastewater and recycled water operations in communities across the state. Throughout the week, urban and agricultural water agencies are encouraged to use their communication channels to educate media, customers, local elected leaders and other key audiences about the essential role that water professionals play in providing safe and reliable water services. This week is also a great opportunity to inspire the next generation of water leaders by showcasing the diverse and rewarding career opportunities in the industry. How to Celebrate ACWA encourages member agencies to participate in Water Professionals Appreciation Week by engaging with your communities, highlighting state and careers and sharing your stories on social media. To support those efforts, ACWA has updated the member toolkit that includes graphics, videos and other resources, to support these efforts. Video files will need to be downloaded separately. Request a resolution or proclamation from your Board or local cities and counties. Feature your employees and water careers on social media, bill inserts and newsletters. Let your local media know you are participating in Water Professionals Appreciation Week and offer to arrange interviews with employees in various fields that highlight the skill and dedication required to provide reliable water service. Sample talking points are available. Host a facility tour, presentation about the agency or community Q&A with leadership. These events could be either virtual or in-person. Work with local high schools, colleges and universities to promote careers or internships at your district. Start a mentor program for young professionals in your agency. Social Media When sharing Water Professionals Appreciation Week content on social media platforms please use the following hashtags: #CAWaterWeek, #EssentialWorkers, #ThankWaterPros and #WeAreCAWater. Sample, customizable social media content has been created and is available in two easily-downloadable zip files: WPAW 2025 zip and video file zip. Share the Water Professionals Appreciation Week sample posts in combination with the WPAW logo or several provided graphics, some of which can be customized with your logo. Customize a Power Point video to highlight the vital work your employees carry out. Include your agency’s logo. Instructions for customizing the video are available. Post a short video of your employees on the job to highlight the different careers at your district. Background Water Professionals Appreciation Week was established by Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) 80, approved by the Legislature in 2017. The resolution, authored by Sen. Bill Dodd (D-Napa), was sponsored by an ACWA-led coalition that included WateReuse California, California Municipal Utilities Association, California Association of Sanitation Agencies and California Water Association. The California Water Environment Association also was a partner in the effort. Under SCR 80, Water Professionals Appreciation Week begins on the first Saturday of October and ends on the Sunday of the following weekend each year. Questions For questions about Water Professionals Appreciation Week, please contact ACWA Communications Specialist Ellen Martin at (916) 441-4545. For help customizing toolkit items with your agency logo, contact Katherine Causland at (916) 441-4545.
