By Luis Carmona, Resource Development Coordinator
The California Rural Water Association (CRWA) continues to expand its Preferred Provider Program, which connects members with vetted service providers offering essential services such as laboratory testing, leak detection, online payment solutions, legal services, rate studies, and consulting.
Currently, 18 providers participate in the program, meeting strict requirements, including Associate Membership with CRWA, advertising in the California Water Journal, and exhibiting at the CRWA Annual Expo. Prospective providers must submit an RFP outlining their services, pricing, and liability insurance. Currently, CRWA has 4 prospective Preferred Providers for 2025.
CRWA supports Preferred Providers through free marketing, email campaigns, social media promotion, and workshop coordination. CRWA also encourages all staff from both CRWA and SUSP (Operations and Engineering) to recommend the Preferred Provider Program to systems whenever possible. By recommending the Preferred Provider Program, CRWA staff not only help CRWA members but also the association.
Preferred Provider Spotlight:
GovCard powered by Evolv
One of the key companies in our Preferred Provider network is GovCard powered by Evolv, known for their Government Payment Solutions. GovCard offers online, mobile, email, recurring, text, invoicing and eCash, ACH/eCheck, and In-person payment options. They also offer website development and digital marketing.
Benefits to CRWA:
Evolv, Inc. strengthens CRWA’s ability to serve members and provides financial support through a 10% revenue share on all products and services contracted through the CRWA members savings program.
Benefits to CRWA Members:
CRWA members receive special pricing on GovCard’s services, including:
- A free web page with click-to-pay option
- No processing costs incurred by water systems/utilities who process $1500 or greater in credit/debit cards/ACH.
The CRWA Preferred Provider Program, with partners like GovCard powered by Evolv, continues to offer valuable services to rural water systems across California, ensuring they have access to the best support available.