Georgia Water Stewardship Act (GWSA)

Enacted in 2010, the GWSA is a multifaceted approach to water conservation and requires specific action by water providers serving 3,300 or more in population. Approximately 250 water providers in Georgia, who provide 80 percent of the
potable water to the state’s population, are currently affected by this Act. It requires:

• Water systems serving a population of “at least 3,300” must conduct an annual water system audit.
• Water systems serving a population of “at least 3,300” must implement a water loss control program.
• Water systems to conduct standardized annual water loss audits according to latest American Water Works Association (AWWA) Free Water Audit Software (FWAS) methodology

Georgia Qualified Water Loss Auditor (QWLA) Certification Program

In 2015, Georgia EPD created a program for individuals to become qualified and competent to sign off on required water audits in the state of Georgia. This QWLA certification program is currently administered by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals (GAWP) with oversight by EPD. Minimum requirements for auditors include:

1. Candidates are required to complete the four-hour “Basic Water Loss & Auditing” class as a prerequisite to the full QWLA Certification Class & Exam.
2. Candidates must complete the 16-hour QWLA Certification class as a prerequisite to taking the exam.
3. Candidates must pass the QWLA exam with a minimum score of 70%. The exam includes multiple choice and short answer  questions and a practical audit.
   

It is suggested that candidates first have experience working as a team member preparing required data and supporting documents needed to complete a water audit. Experience with Microsoft Excel is essential as supporting documents and AWWA FWAS are based on this software platform.

Beginning in January 2025, QWLA Certifications will operate on a three-year continuing education cycle. Continuing education requirement can be met by:

1. Preparing or validating at least two AWWA FWAS current version water audits, and
2. Completion of four (4) hours of water loss control or water auditing training.
   

A searchable directory of Georgia Qualified Water Loss Auditors will be maintained on the GAWP and/or Georgia EPD websites. Click here to access the searchable directory.

For questions about the QWLA Certification Program or Water Audits in Georgia, contact Jim Poff at jpoff@gawp.org