Colorado Water Loss Initiative
The Colorado Water Loss Initiative (CWLI) provides a comprehensive program of free training and technical assistance for water systems across Colorado. This program is part of a strategic objective from the Colorado Water Plan: to support water management activities for all water providers.
In this program, participants will have the opportunity to:
- Take the appropriate steps toward effective water loss control management
- Receive free training & technical assistance for AWWA M36 Water Auditing & Validation
- Learn where loss costs are the greatest, and which should be a priority
- Learn about data validation & how to daylight data issues
- Determine next steps for water loss reduction and revenue recovery
- Adopt supply-side conservation practices considered BMPs by the CWCB, potentially relevant to future permit and funding applications
This program has been offered at no cost, and is eligible to drinking water system staff.
Every water system experiences water loss.
Establishing a baseline of validated water audit data is the anchor of a successful water loss strategy.
The Colorado Water Loss Initiative provides a path to building and progressing your water loss program.
Register for the CWLI here
- About the Colorado Water Loss Initiative
Water loss control and management is one of the highest priorities for urban water systems across the globe. As infrastructure ages, real losses (leaks) and apparent losses (meter inaccuracies, data handling errors) increase and valuable water resources and revenue are lost. Urban water distribution systems benefit greatly from a comprehensive diagnostic approach to auditing their systems so they can reduce losses to an economically manageable level and maintain the value and integrity of their water systems.
Colorado Water Loss Initiative
In August 2018, the Colorado Water Conservation Board launched the Colorado Water Loss Initiative, a comprehensive program using the American Water Works Association (AWWA) M36 water loss methodology for training and providing technical assistance for urban water systems across Colorado. This program is part of a strategic objective from the Colorado Water Plan: to support water management activities for all water providers.
The focus of the program will be the AWWA M36 water audit, the AWWA Free Water Audit Software and associated WRF 4639 Level 1 Validation methodology. The AWWA M36 water audit methodology is the recommended best practice in North America to support informed decision making for water loss control and revenue recovery. Cost-effective water loss management reduces cost, increases revenue, serving the utility's bottom line and the rate-payer alike.
Click here for the Colorado Water Loss Initiative Phase 1 final report
Click here for the Colorado Water Loss Initiative Phase 2 final report
The CWCB conducted a study on water loss activity in Colorado in 2009. This was an exploratory survey to assess the state of water loss in Colorado and provided insights for present day programs.
The AWWA Water Loss Control Committee has created this best practice methodology over the years. The committee is staffed by volunteers from all over the world who create and define the accepted water loss best practices Colorado is using now.
- CWLI Team
Our Team
Together with the Colorado Water Conservation Board, our goal in the Colorado Water Loss Initiative is to equip participating water systems with the base knowledge of the AWWA M36 methodology, application of the industry standard AWWA Water Audit Software, and interpreting next steps in their system-specific water loss control program.
Drew Blackwell, Program Manager
Isabel Szendrey, Program Manager
Maher Lugo, Program Specialist
Our core management team shown above is complimented by a deep bench of expert teachers who are recognized by the water loss industry both nationally and in Colorado:
Ashlee Hollifield
Kate Gasner
Chris Penwell
Kim Manago
Kevin Burgers
Larry Lewison
Marci Bruno
Contact the CWLI team at team@coloradowaterloss.org
This CWCB program is part of a strategic objective from the Colorado Water Plan: to support water management activities for all water providers.
CWCB Point of Contact: Kevin Reidy, kevin.reidy@state.co.us
- Phase 1 (Complete)
Phase 1 of the CWLI kicked off in 2018 and was structured and funded for the largest 165 water systems, though smaller systems were considered if space was available. The focus of the program was the AWWA M36 water audit, the AWWA Free Water Audit Software and associated WRF 4639 Level 1 Validation methodology. CWCB collaborated with Cavanaugh and WSO to deliver this important program.
The program primarily included four work sessions spread out approximately over a 2-year period, beginning in the Spring of 2019. Two of those work sessions were held at regional workshop locations, and two work sessions were conducted remotely with a shared screen. Utilities were encouraged to include staff responsible for these areas:
- Supply metering
- Customer metering
- Billing
- Management
The program was structured with two tracks, to accommodate utilities who already have experience with the AWWA M36 water audit, as well as those who were new to it. Advanced validation and analysis was available to a small number of utilities, depending on utility readiness and CWLI budget availability. For the full CWLI Phase 1 report, visit the Urban Water Efficiency page.
Read what Phase 1 CWLI participants said about the program here.
Stage 1: March 2019 - May 2019
Stage 1 began with a brief webcast (posted March 28th) followed by a 1-day in-person work session (classroom) that covered the basics of AWWA M36 water auditing and introduced water audit data validation. From this work session, each utility prepared an AWWA M36 water audit for Calendar 2018.
Objectives
- Introduce Colorado Water Loss Initiative
- Begin technical assistance
- Create utility water audit teams
Stage 2: May 2019 - November 2019
Stage 2 was a teleconference work session in which water auditing experts and each utility’s water audit team examined the utility’s AWWA M36 water audit in a ~90 minute interview. The outcome of Stage 2 was a “practice validation” on the AWWA M36 water audit for Calendar 2018, and clarity of any actions needed for the next water audit.
Objectives
- Review the 2018 water audit
- Discuss water audit data and data validity scores
- Amendments as needed
- Set action plan for next audit
Stage 3: November 2019 - February 2020
Stage 3 was a 1-day in-person work session (classroom) that reinforced the water audit methodology before more deeply exploring water audit data validation and the connection between water auditing and water loss control.
Objectives
- Continue technical assistance
- Connect water audits to water loss control
- Prepare for Stage 4
Stage 4: February 2020 - June 2020
Stage 4 was a teleconference work session in which water auditing experts and each utility’s water audit team examined the utility’s AWWA M36 water audit in a ~90 minute interview. The outcome of Stage 4 was a “Level 1 Validated” AWWA M36 water audit for Calendar 2019. For any utilities who submitted 1051 reporting to the CWCB by July 1st, this audit will provide you with the supporting data.
- Phase 2 (Complete)
The CWLI and the M36 methodology are for systems of all sizes, which means that smaller systems need not worry about the time commitment or participation being over-burdensome. Approximately 85% of participants in Phase 1 said they spent 40 hours or less throughout the two-year program on efforts outside of the CWLI workshops (e.g., data gathering, internal team meetings) and 93% said that their experience in the Phase 1 will drive them to continue using the AWWA M36 methodology and Free Water Audit Software annually moving forward.
Phase 2 offered two distinct learning tracks that provided a pathway for all participants to take advantage of what the program has to offer. It was both a continuation from Phase 1 for some utilities and a starting point to learn about the AWWA M36 methodology for others. Water systems that completed Phase 1 in full (completed Level 1 Water Audit Validations) continued on an advanced track with training and direct technical assistance depending on the utility’s loss profile. Technical assistance opportunities included supply input meter testing, billing data analysis and prorating, customer meter test design and result analysis, real loss component analysis, or leak detection. Systems that partially participated in Phase 1 or were brand new to the program entered a new learner track [LINK] with the opportunity to move into the advanced program track.
Phase 2 began in Fall 2021 and finished in June 2025.
Read the Phase 2 Final Report here.
New Learner Group
Phase 2 offered two distinct learning tracks that provided a pathway for all participants to take advantage of what the program has to offer. Systems that partially participated in Phase 1 or were brand new to the program entered through the New Learner Track with the opportunity to move into the advanced program track.
Level 1 Water Audit Validation
Ready to start gathering your data for the Level 1 Validation session? Check out our Guidance Document
Here are some examples of supporting documentation that might be helpful. You do not need to conform to the format shown in these examples, but please use them as a reference for the extent of the data we are looking for.
For those utilities purchasing treated water (water imported), a Water Imported Data Request has been developed to facilitate the communication between the retailer and the wholesaler.
Advanced Group
Phase 2 offered two distinct learning tracks that provided a pathway for all participants to take advantage of what the program has to offer. Systems that met participated requirements in Phase 1 entered the Advanced Group track to learn more about the direct technical assistance opportunities available.
- Phase 3 (Underway)
Phase 3 is a comprehensive program of basic and advanced training in water loss management, provides direct technical assistance, and a water loss audit validator training and certification program. Phase 3 will build on Phases 1 and 2 and includes multiple touch points for establishing principles, best practices, and reinforced understanding, culminating in direct technical assistance based on the water provider’s needs.
The AWWA M36 methodology continues to be the foundation of the program and is considered the industry standard for water loss control and management. The goal for the Colorado Water Loss Control Initiative is for participating water utilities to learn how to apply the methodology to their water system and to achieve a complete and transparent water loss audit through the Level 1 Validation process. This phase goes beyond audits and assists the water providers in targeting interventions as well as continuing to provide a base for ongoing training in terms of bringing new participants in and refreshing existing participants' knowledge base. Additionally, there is an added water loss audit validator training curriculum task that will increase the pool of certified individuals in the state to perform Level 1 Water Audit Validations to keep up with the demand for this service. More water audit validations will drive more widespread adoption of accurate water loss audits.
Water loss control has been identified by the drinking water industry as a top priority. With multiple states providing statewide water loss control training and having identified the AWWA M36 methodology in Colorado’s Water Plan, the time is right to continue statewide training on the industry standard for water loss control and move onto prioritized interventions.
New to the Colorado Water Loss Initiative?
Upcoming Events
Your team will participate in an introductory level, virtual session with the CWLI team. The session will last 3.5 hours. It will cover the AWWA M36 methodology, water balance, and AWWA Free Water Audit Software. This workshop is great for utilities new to the program as well as those who have new staff they would like to introduce to this material.
Sign up for one of our quarterly workshops here
Level 1 Water Audit Validation
This event is scheduled to perform the Level 1 Validation through the Colorado Water Loss Initiative.
Schedule your team’s water audit validation session here
Note: the scheduling app defaults to Eastern Time Zone and you can switch to MST.
- Resources
New Learner workshop materials
Watch the Introductory Webcast for New Learners here
Download the AWWA Free Water Audit Software (V6.1)
The new version of the AWWA Free Water Audit Software (V6.1) is now available. This software is the industry standard tool for conducting the annual water audit and using the results to guide a program for cost-effective water loss control and revenue recovery. It first came out nearly 15 years ago, and is now used throughout North America and in other countries around the world.
Version 6.1 represents a major evolution of this tool – incorporating over 1,000 improvements from user-provided comments. Key upgrades include a new Interactive Data Grading feature; a new Performance Indicator Dashboard providing more visibility into how well you are doing and how you can improve; integration of the Leakage Emissions Initiative methodology for quantifying carbon emissions, and a streamlined user experience.
- Registration Information
The CWLI training and technical assistance is free and eligible to drinking water system staff from organizations big and small.
To register, contact team@coloradowaterloss.org
A registration form is also available to fill out here.
CWCB staff point of contact is Kevin Reidy, kevin.reidy@state.co.us
- Announcements
Check here for future announcements!
- The Colorado Water loss Control & Management Committee
The Colorado Water Loss Control & Management Committee was formally established in December 2023 by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). The committee’s objective is to improve water loss control and management by planning water loss strategies, trading technical information, informing water loss policy discussions, supporting water loss goals of the CWCB, and training and education for water utilities. The goal is to transition to a formal committee with the Rocky Mountain Section of AWWA by 2026.
The committee meets every other month remotely, but every other meeting is a hybrid meeting with in-person attendance highly encouraged to support the engagement of committee members and to sustain the momentum of the committee goals.
Past Committee Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2023 - North American Water Loss Conference - Denver, CO - meeting minutes
March 25, 2024 - CWCB, Denver, CO - meeting minutes | recording
June 4, 2024 - Remote meeting - meeting minutes | recording
August 28, 2024 - RMWC 2024, Keystone, CO - meeting minutes | recording
November 12, 2024 - Remote meeting - meeting minutes | recording
January 21, 2025 - Northern Water, Berthoud, CO - meeting minutes | recording
March 26, 2025 - Remote meeting - meeting minutes | recordingMay 13, 2025 - Aurora Water, Aurora, CO - meeting minutes
July 28, 2025 - Remote meeting - meeting minutes
November 13, 2025 - Town of Frederick, CO - meeting minutes
Committee Members
Our committee is represented by water utilities, government agencies, and consultants. The committee roster and geographic representation is provided below:
Please email Drew Blackwell at drew.blackwell@cavanaughsolutions.com if you would like to join the committee.