The California Groundwater Association is a non-profit organization representing all segments of the ground water industry in California.



The California Groundwater Association (CGA) is a non-profit organization representing all segments of the ground water industry in California. Our members include water well drilling and pump contractors, geologists, hydrologists, manufacturers and suppliers, engineers, government employees and others in the ground water field.

Founded in 1948, CGA was known as the Associated Drilling Contractors until 1986, when the name was changed to emphasize the organization’s involvement with all aspects of the ground water field.

Association membership types include Contractor, Technical, Manufacturer/Supplier, Affiliate, Government Agency, Retired and Lifetime in Business, and Individual classes. The statewide membership is divided into two divisions, Contractor-Technical and Manufacturer/Supplier, with 12 local branches. CGA has more than 400 business and individual members representing more than 15,000 ground water professionals in California.

The CGA mission:

  • Caring for California’s ground water resources.

  • Giving high quality service to members and the public.

  • Acting in the best interest of the ground water industry

The association’s immediate goals:

  • Continue CGA leadership training opportunities.

  • Expand branch and member participation.

  • Continued growth of committee member participation.

  • Continue regulator training programs and contact opportunities.

  • Further relationships with other water-related organizations.

  • Develop information for members on emerging air resource regulations.

  • Finalize information for members on mandatory safety requirements.
CGA programs involve conventions and educational events, legislation and regulatory affairs, public awareness, insurance and safety, scholarships, industry standards, member services and business referrals. More information is available on CGA’s Web site at www.groundh2o.org.

CGA’s 59th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Reno, Nev., Nov. 8-10, is set to be the largest in the organization’s history. There will be 125 displays and rigs on the trade show floor. Two all-day workshops, eight two-hour seminars and the McEllhiney lecture offer numerous hours of continuing education. Short “Tools of the Trade” demonstrations on the trade show floor give attendees quick tips to make their jobs easier. CGA has teamed with the Pacific Water Quality Association to provide insights into water treatment opportunities. And there are fun and food events each day of the convention, from a hosted welcome reception to an awards banquet to a closing “Tailgate Party.” Benefits of attending are having fun, getting some savvy advice for your business and learning new skills to build your profits.

CGA truly is an extended family, helping where it is needed. Our members traveled to Thailand to assist victims of the tsunami a few years ago; they constructed a new well for a family on the television program, “Extreme Makeover Home Edition;” they have contributed to scholarship funds to help persons entering the ground water field; and they always are there to help and comfort members facing health and grieving situations – “We Are Family” could be our theme song.

CGA is a state affiliate member of the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), serves on the board of directors of the California Water Awareness Campaign, and is a member of the Water Education Foundation, Groundwater Foundation, American Ground Water Trust, CA-NV Section of AWWA and the Association of California Water Agencies.
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