Become a Member of the Urban Water Institute
UWI Membership
Join the Urban Water Institute and get a seat at the table alongside the west’s elite water leaders. UWI members gain access to top decision makers, expert keynote speakers, exclusive networking opportunities and much more.
“The importance of being a member of the Urban Water Institute cannot be overstated. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and a desire to learn the best way to serve our community. By sharing these experiences with one another and learning the latest water strategies, we develop the professional skills necessary to effectively preserve, protect and manage our most valuable resource…water.”
– Russ Martin, Director, Mission Springs Water District
UWI Membership Benefits
UWI membership is invaluable for any water-related organization that has a role or interest in California water management. Membership in UWI typically comes through an organization, and the representatives of that organization are considered members by default.
As a member of UWI, your organization and its representatives will receive the following benefits:
- Opportunity to serve on the UWI Board of Directors, which shapes the organization's priorities and activities (including conference programs)
- Access to all Conference presentations
- Exclusive networking opportunities
- Timely updates on pressing water management issues
- A voice in the water community
- Access to the full UWI membership directory (with contact information for each member)
- Discounted conference registration
- Quarterly newsletter
Board Chair's Circle Membership Benefits:
- Includes all membership benefits listed above, plus...
- Exclusive invitation to a special reception at UWI Conferences
- Premier recognition at UWI Conferences: ad in program, special signage and verbal/visual recognition
- Exclusive invitation to an agricultural tour hosted by Jason Phillips (Friant Water Authority)
Membership Dues
Annual membership dues vary based on the size and type of your organization. Memberships can be renewed on a calendar year or fiscal year basis.
Beginning in 2025, the membership levels and dues are as follows:
- Public Sector (cities, water districts and other government organizations):
- Population <10,000: $550
- Population 10,000-50,000: $825
- Population 50,001-100,000: $1,500
- Population >100,000: $3,000
- Board Chair's Circle: $5,000 (replaces population-based dues category)
- Private Sector (businesses, consulting firms and private water utilities):
- Employees <5: $550
- Employees 5-50: $825
- Employees 51-500: $1,500
- Employees >500: $3,000
- Board Chair's Circle: $5,000 (replaces employee-based dues category)
- Nonprofit Organization: $500
- Academia: Institutions/Centers: $500
- Academia: Professors/Researchers: $250
- Member Emeritus/Retired: $110
UWI's membership dues have historically been much lower than similar organizations. The 2025 membership dues represent a significant catch-up (for some categories) that enables us to cover our costs of doing business and ensure the long-term financial health of our organization.
We are grateful for your past support and we are counting on your continued support as we strategically move to a more sustainable future. Your continued involvement in UWI supports the work we do to help your organization stay at the forefront of water management challenges and forge beneficial relationships with water-related organizations throughout the west.
“Memberships and conferences can be particularly difficult to justify within smaller operating budgets. That’s why my organization’s Board of Directors really appreciates what UWI delivers for the price: compelling conference content in a relaxed setting at attractive, accessible locations. This is the result of thoughtful and dedicated leadership at UWI.”
– Fernando Paludi, General Manager, Trabuco Canyon Water District
Board of Directors
Current UWI members in good standing are entitled to a seat on the Board of Directors. The number of voting members is specified in the UWI bylaws, and can be modified by full Board action. An effort is made to balance voting members among large and small agencies, nonprofits, legal and businesses/consulting firms.
Board of Directors meetings are held in conjunction with the Spring (February) and Annual (August) Urban Water Institute Conferences each year.
Please visit our Board of Directors page for information on how to appoint a Board member for your organization.
Become a Sponsor
UWI offers annual sponsorships for members and non-members. Please visit our sponsorships page for a complete listing of sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities and the corresponding benefits.
Join UWI
If you are interested in membership with the Urban Water Institute, you can join online by clicking the link below. A print copy of the membership application is available upon request by emailing marketing@urbanwater.com.
