The Silicon Valley Water Conservation Awards are given for:

Government Agency / Water Utility — Awarded to a water agency or municipality that takes an innovative approach to encourage water conservation. Programs that are able to quantify their benefits will receive extra consideration.

Business — Awarded to an individual business or business group that accomplishes significant water savings through innovative conservation methods. Preference will be given to programs that can be replicated in that industry or in Silicon Valley.

Organization — Awarded to a nongovernmental organizations (including but not limited to faith-based groups, nonprofits, schools and homeowners associations) that develop programs to promote or implement water conservation measures among their stakeholders.

Greenscape Management — Awarded to a business, organization or agency that has demonstrated positive water conservation measures related to the landscaping of buildings, parks, playing fields, cemeteries and/or golf courses.

Agriculture -- Awarded to a farm or community garden that demonstrates water efficiency

Education — Awarded to a business, organization, agency or individual that has successfully educated others about the importance of water conservation and ways to achieve water conservation results.

Multiple Benefit — Awarded to a water conservation program that provides significant additional benefits to its communities. Examples might include habitat enhancement, reduced flooding, and improved water quality.

Basic criteria for Water Conservation Awards:

• Program or project is currently being implemented.
• Program or project results in the conservation of potable water.

Additional consideration will be given to programs or projects that:

• Produce measurable water savings.
• Can be easily replicated.
• Show innovation.
• Demonstrate new technology.
• Increase public awareness.
• Create behavioral changes.