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California Water Environment Association

EIN 95-2368216 · Oakland, CA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthGood83 out of 100GovernanceStrong100 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

To empower, educate, and connect water professionals to protect public health and the environment.

Income
$6.6 million
Spending
$6.3 million
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
6.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
fees for its services, 64%
Employees
21
Volunteers
700
Highest pay
$337,621, ed/ceo

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Good: 83 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Reserves

    28 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 6.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    10 of 20

    It owes 47% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 4% of income.

  • Income trend

    15 of 15

    Income rose 2% on the year before.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    93% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Strong: 100 out of 100. Higher than 60% of charities in its peer group (environment, $1m to $10m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    21 of 21 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    8 of 8

    Has a written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    15 of 15

    Its accounts were audited by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $2.9 million spent. Conference, trainings and seminars- CWEA delivers conferences, workshops, and technical training programs that provide critical education on regulatory compliance, emerging technologies, safety practices, and operational excellence. Programs are offered statewide through annual conferences, regional trainings and workshops, and collaborative partnerships with public agencies and industry stakeholders. Through formal collaboration with the State Water Resources Control Board, CWEA also provides training that supports regulatory compliance and helps reduce sewer system overflows. These educational programs strengthen workforce readiness, support environmental stewardship, and advance the reliability of Californias water infrastructure systems.
  2. $1.7 million spent. Member Services - CWEA serves approximately 11,000 members who are water quality professionals who work every day to protect Californias public health and environment. Through statewide networking, leadership development, mentoring, scholarships, recognition programs, and technical resources, CWEA strengthens the professional community responsible for safeguarding water quality. By connecting practitioners, sharing best practices, and supporting career advancement, CWEA helps build a resilient and highly skilled environmental workforce.
  3. $1.3 million spent. Certification - Since 1938, CWEA has administered a voluntary, competency-based certification program that sets professional standards for wastewater practitioners. The program develops and validates examinations and renewal requirements that measure knowledge, skills, and competency across multiple wastewater vocations. CWEA certifications are widely recognized by public agencies and utilities and are often used to support hiring and advancement decisions. By promoting measurable competency and lifelong learning, the certification program ensures that Californias wastewater infrastructure is operated by qualified professionals dedicated to protecting public health and the environment.
  4. Various other programs: Local Section Activities, Wastewater Publications,Committees, and Tri-State Seminar.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending June 30, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since February 1983.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.