One Water Solutions Institute
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
The Water Technology Acceleration Platform (Water TAP) at Colorado State University’s (CSU) Spur campus is the nation’s first plug-and-play testbed dedicated to advancing fit-for-purpose water. Operated by CSU’s One Water Solutions Institute (OWSI), Water TAP bridges the gap between research and implementation by engaging partners in a neutral, public-facing environment where innovation meets application.
Through co-development and collaboration, Water TAP enables industry, utilities, and academic partners to validate technologies, accelerate market readiness, and strengthen workforce pipelines for sustainable water management.
Designed to bridge the gap between research and implementation, Water TAP engages partners through four interconnected pillars
University-run, public-facing, and sector-balanced, Water TAP offers a trusted environment for applied research, stakeholder engagement, and talent development.
With scalable, modular infrastructure and expertise spanning fit-for-purpose water, reuse and resource recovery, monitoring, regulatory readiness, stormwater innovation, and pilot integration, Water TAP transforms promising ideas into practical solutions that strengthen resilience, efficiency, and water security.
Through its mission, vision, and pillars, Water TAP unites research, industry, and education to create scalable solutions for the water challenges of today and tomorrow.
Water TAP addresses global water challenges by enabling safe and efficient water reuse and integrating low impact urban development for reliable water resource management and community resilience.
Water TAP conducts data-driven research and cutting-edge innovation to develop market-level solutions for water reuse, resource recovery, and nature-based solutions, from the building to regional scale. By engaging public, private, and academic partners in a collaborative testbed environment, Water TAP accelerates real-world solutions in fit-for-purpose water use and community resilience.
Water TAP’s mission is carried out through four interconnected pillars that define our role as a neutral, public-facing testbed. Together, these pillars ensure that innovation at Water TAP is not only technical, but also supported by training, workforce pathways, and a collaborative community that accelerates sustainable water solutions and advances our practice to progress the field of water reuse.
Each pillar is strengthened by Water TAP’s co-development approach, which engages strategic partners throughout the process to ensure solutions are practical, scalable, and impactful:
Water TAP is the nation’s first plug-and-play innovation testbed dedicated to advancing fit-for-purpose water. Located at our public-facing Spur campus in Denver, Water TAP combines applied research, cross-sector collaboration, and real-world validation — strengthening training, workforce development, and community practice in a neutral university setting.
What sets Water TAP apart is the combination of technical depth and applied capacity:
Water TAP bridges the gap between research and practical implementation by engaging partners through co-development across our core pillars: innovation, training, workforce, and community. With real-world water sources, pilot-ready infrastructure, and a neutral governance model, we accelerate solutions that deliver measurable benefits for partners and communities while advancing CSU’s land-grant mission.
Water TAP is a premier national testbed and engagement hub where:
Located in the Hydro building at CSU Spur (Denver, CO), Water TAP offers a unique platform for applied research, training, and demonstration.
The facility is purpose-built to support pilot-scale testing and technology validation with access to diverse real-world water sources, including:
The testbed includes indoor high-bay and outdoor lab space, modular plumbing and pumping systems, and fully instrumented monitoring capabilities. Partners can conduct side-by-side validation studies using controlled, yet realistic, conditions that simulate community-scale operations.
To explore detailed specifications, flow rates, and available systems, visit the
Water TAP Equipment & Infrastructure page
Water TAP provides controlled onsite access to stormwater, graywater, roof runoff, and raw surface water, with flexible storage for produced water, industrial effluent, and other sources.
To explore detailed specifications, flow rates, and available systems, visit the
Water TAP Equipment & Infrastructure page
Members tap into our 1,850 sq ft plug-and-play high-bay facility with indoor/outdoor pilot capacity, shared pumps, tanks, and monitoring systems; pilot-ready modular platforms for reuse, irrigation, and treatment studies; and exclusive rentals such as a gantry crane for heavy configurations. This plug-and-play infrastructure eliminates the cost and risk of building your own pilot environment.
To explore detailed specifications, flow rates, and available systems, visit the
Water TAP Equipment & Infrastructure page
The Water TAP Management Team reviews requests quarterly while considering input from it’s members and Board of Directors. Project space is allocated based on readiness, mission alignment, and sector balance—ensuring members always have fair and transparent access.
For more information on submitting a project space request, contact us at water-tap@colostate.edu
Water TAP’s expertise and projects span the full spectrum of applied water innovation—from fit-for-purpose reuse and stormwater management to real-time monitoring, data analytics, and nature-based solutions—connecting partners with the people, facilities, and insights needed to move ideas from concept to implementation.
Water TAP’s expertise lies at the intersection of fit-for-purpose water, smart monitoring, and decentralized treatment technologies—with particular strengths in:
Water TAP projects span the full water innovation ecosystem, including:
These projects illustrate how Water TAP brings together utilities, industry, regulators, and students to co-create solutions for resilient water reuse, resource recovery, and next-generation water management.
To learn more, visit the Water TAP Project Portfolio
Water TAP offers a spectrum of services to support technology development, validation, and workforce needs:
Projects typically launch within 2–6 months. Standard contracting requires 1–2 months, followed by scheduling and setup depending on scope. Our team coordinates logistics so partners can focus on results, not red tape.
As a neutral, third-party testbed, Water TAP provides independent data and performance validation that helps technology developers and utilities ease regulatory hurdles and build confidence with permitting agencies. Our role is to accelerate acceptance of new approaches by generating reliable results under real-world conditions, not to serve as a formal certification lab.
Water TAP partners benefit from CSU’s accredited lab network and members can also access advanced testing through the Scott Bioengineering Lab in Fort Collins. Pricing typically ranges from $20–$210 per sample, with member rates starting near $6. These services complement Water TAP’s infrastructure, ensuring projects generate high-quality data and build confidence with regulators and partners.
For more information on analytical services, contact our team at water-tap@colostate.edu
Projects are prioritized by Water TAP Membership tier, readiness for deployment, and contribution to sector balance. Advisory recommendations and Board input inform decisions made by the Water TAP Management Team, ensuring the facility remains mission-aligned and responsive to member needs. This ensures high-value, diverse projects move forward efficiently.
Non-members may access Water TAP on a case-by-case basis but typically pay premium rental fees.
See the Governance & Administration section for more information on roles and responsibilities for Water TAP decision-making.
CSU policies apply, with project-specific agreements developed to protect partner interests. Water TAP facilitates collaboration while safeguarding academic integrity and partner intellectual property (IP).
Project-specific work (space, analyses, technician time) is scoped and billed individually as fee-for-service. Project costs reflect anticipated facility use, project duration, and the level of technical or analytical support required. Budgets are developed collaboratively during project scoping using standardized internal cost tools to ensure projects fully cover operational needs. Planning-level budget tools and supporting resources are available upon request.
Water TAP membership offers a direct pathway for startups, municipalities, and industry partners to engage with a national testbed advancing applied research, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration in water innovation.
Water TAP membership is organized under a flexible, tiered structure designed to meet a range of partner needs and levels of engagement. Members are grouped into strategic advisory or sector-based committees and have the opportunity to participate in annual convenings, research showcases, and project co-development.
Benefits include:
Water TAP maintains a mission-aligned governance model where members provide strategic input—while operational authority remains with CSU to ensure academic integrity and balanced representation across sectors.
What do membership dues support at Water TAP?
Your dues directly sustain the shared infrastructure and professional staff who make the lab reliable, responsive, and safe for all partners. They also fund student training, outreach, and member-driven events that amplify visibility and impact. In short, dues make Water TAP more than a lab—they ensure a thriving, industry-ready innovation ecosystem.
What is included in a membership vs. fee-for-service?
Membership tiers (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) provide access to governance forums, student engagement, visibility, CSU Spur event space discounts, and expert consultation hours. Project-specific work (space, analyses, technician time) is scoped and billed separately as fee-for-service.
Do membership benefits reset each year?
Yes. All benefits—including consulting hours with CSU experts and event rental credits—reset annually on July 1 (CSU’s fiscal year). Unused balances do not roll over.
Can my organization upgrade or change tiers mid-year?
Yes. Tier changes can be made at any time, with pro-rated adjustments. This flexibility allows organizations to increase engagement when new priorities or opportunities arise.
For more information visit our Water TAP Memberships page
Student access is one of the most valuable benefits of Water TAP membership. We connect members directly with CSU students—the future workforce of the water sector—through internships, senior design sponsorships, career fairs, and mentoring. Members can also guest lecture in classrooms, host externships, and participate in K–12 and family-facing programs at CSU Spur. These channels don’t just build visibility—they give your organization a front-row seat to recruit top talent, shape workforce skills, and inspire the next generation of water professionals.
Information on accessing these benefits is provided in the Water TAP Member Handbook.
Membership includes dedicated consultation hours with CSU’s faculty and Water TAP staff—providing members direct access to applied expertise across areas such as fit-for-purpose water reuse, stormwater innovation, monitoring and data analytics, regulatory readiness, and workforce development.
Annual consulting time is based on membership tier and resets each July 1 in alignment with CSU’s fiscal year:
Platinum: Up to 8 hours per year
Gold: Up to 4 hours per year
Silver: Up to 2 hours per year
Bronze: One complimentary 30-minute consultation during the first year
Consulting hours can be used for technical questions, project scoping, regulatory guidance, workforce connections, or introductions to CSU experts across related disciplines. Additional hours beyond the annual allocation can be arranged on a fee-for-service basis.
Information on accessing these benefits is provided in the Water TAP Member Handbook.
Member recognition is tiered to reflect each organization’s level of engagement and support. All members are acknowledged on the Water TAP website and within the laboratory, while Silver, Gold, and Platinum members receive additional visibility through newsletters, CSU communications, and social media. Gold and Platinum members enjoy guaranteed high-impact spotlights and premier branding opportunities at signature events and across Water TAP promotional materials.
Can we promote our membership in our own marketing?
Absolutely. Members are encouraged to highlight their affiliation in marketing and communications, with co-branding supported by CSU OWSI staff to maintain quality and consistency.
For more information visit our Water TAP Memberships page
Water TAP members play an active role in shaping the program’s direction and sharing their leadership across the sector. Engagement opportunities are built into the annual membership cycle and include:
Beyond formal meetings, members gain brand visibility and recognition through Water TAP’s communication channels, including website listings, newsletters, social media spotlights, and CSU events.
Together, these engagement activities ensure members are seen, heard, and connected—shaping Water TAP’s priorities while strengthening their presence within the national water innovation community.
For more information visit our Water TAP Memberships page
Members receive CSU affiliate rates for CSU Spur rentals plus tier-based credits: Platinum $600, Gold $300, Silver $150, Bronze $150. Spur’s Hydro, Terra, and Vida buildings provide unique venues for conferences, workshops, and community events.
Information on accessing these benefits is provided in the Water TAP Member Handbook.
Member dues are considered gifts to the Colorado State University Foundation and are generally tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes, provided you meet IRS requirements for itemizing deductions. The CSU Foundation is a recognized 501(c)(3) organization, distinct from the university itself, and authorized to receive tax-deductible contributions and bequests. All contributions are subject to CSU Foundation gift policies in effect at the time of the gift.
For more information, visit giving.colostate.edu/gift-stewardship.
Please consult your organization’s tax advisor to confirm eligibility for your specific situation. Colorado State University is an equal-access and equal-opportunity institution.
Water TAP is a university-managed platform that helps water innovation startups validate technologies, navigate regulations, and scale successfully. By connecting innovators to real-world testing environments, regulatory partners, business resources, and capital networks, Water TAP accelerates commercialization within Colorado’s robust entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Key Benefits:
Water TAP’s governance and administration framework ensures transparent operations, clear accountability, and collaborative input from CSU leadership and members to guide the program’s mission and strategic direction.
Water TAP is administered and managed by the One Water Solutions Institute (OWSI) at Colorado State University. This structure ensures alignment with CSU’s land-grant mission, academic integrity, and operational transparency while integrating sector input through Advisory Committees and the Board of Directors.
Water TAP’s governance model brings together CSU leadership and industry partners to provide strategic insight, operational transparency, and cross-sector collaboration that advance the platform’s mission and long-term sustainability.
What role does the Water TAP Management Team play?
The Management Team oversees day-to-day operations of the Water TAP facility, including project approvals, scheduling, safety, and space coordination. Led by the Technical Director in collaboration with the OWSI Director and CSU Spur leadership, the Management Team ensures all activities align with Water TAP’s mission, maintain compliance with CSU policies, and uphold research integrity and transparency.
What is the role of the Board of Directors?
The Board of Directors provides high-level strategic guidance and helps shape Water TAP’s long-term direction. The Board advises on research trends, emerging technologies, and partnership opportunities but does not hold operational or decision-making authority. Operational control remains with CSU through the Management Team to ensure neutrality, safety, and alignment with the university’s land-grant mission.
What role do Advisory Committees play?
Advisory Committees are sector- or topic-based groups—such as municipal utilities, technology developers, consulting firms, or industry partners—that bring members together to identify emerging needs, workforce priorities, and collaborative opportunities. Each committee is chaired by a member representative who facilitates coordination with the Management Team and Board of Directors, ensuring that member perspectives inform Water TAP’s priorities.
What is a Consortium Membership?
A Consortium Membership allows smaller or mission-aligned organizations—such as small utilities, start-ups, or nonprofits—to join together under a shared structure. Consortia pool contributions to access member benefits and participate collectively in Water TAP activities. Each consortium designates a lead contact to coordinate participation and communicate with the Management Team. CSU retains oversight to ensure fairness, transparency, and alignment with Water TAP’s mission.
How do these governance groups work together to guide Water TAP?
Water TAP’s governance framework balances member collaboration with university oversight. The Management Team manages daily operations and ensures compliance; the Board of Directors provides strategic insight and connects Water TAP with sector priorities; and the Advisory Committees facilitate active engagement across industries and research areas.
Together, these groups ensure Water TAP remains a neutral, inclusive, and mission-driven platform that integrates partner input while maintaining CSU’s standards for transparency, research integrity, and public service.
Water TAP offers sponsorship opportunities that allow members and partners to directly support and showcase innovation. Organizations may sponsor specific equipment, facility features, events, or custom workforce trainings, aligning their brand with CSU’s leadership in applied water research and technology advancement.
Sponsorships provide visibility and recognition through co-branding on lab equipment or demonstration areas, acknowledgment at events and training programs, and inclusion in Water TAP communications. These partnerships not only enhance member visibility but also advance shared goals in technology validation, education, and sector-wide collaboration.
For general questions, membership inquiries, or project coordination, the Water TAP team can be reached through CSU’s One Water Solutions Institute for prompt assistance and connection to the appropriate staff.
Where is Water TAP located?
Water TAP is located on the first floor of the Hydro Building at CSU Spur campus: 4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216
Who do I contact for general questions?
Email the Water TAP team at water-tap@colostate.edu
Where can I find a list of lab facilities and capabilities?
To explore detailed equipment specifications, flow rates, and available systems, visit the
Water TAP Equipment & Infrastructure page
Where can I find the most up-to-date information?
The CSU One Water Solutions Institute website features current information about Water TAP, membership, and events. You can also sign up here for our newsletter, The Ripple Effect, and follow us on LinkedIn.
CSU Spur is a free, public campus open Monday–Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with special programming on the second Saturday of each month. Visitors can explore the entire campus, see Spur’s interactive exhibits, and learn more about water, food, and health innovation. CSU Spur offers free guided tours of all three buildings 1-2 times per month, you can find more information and book a tour here: https://csuspur.org/visit/
Private Water TAP tours can also be scheduled for members or prospective clients by contacting the Water TAP team directly at water-tap@colostate.edu
The CSU One Water Solutions Institute and Water TAP Management team (water-tap@colostate.edu) manages invoicing and payment support.
In addition to Water TAP’s core systems, members and project sponsors benefit from access to complementary facilities at CSU Spur as well as the CSU Fort Collins campus. These resources expand the range of pilot testing, analysis, and workforce training opportunities, and include:
Members and project sponsors can work with Water TAP staff to coordinate access and integrate these resources into their projects. Detailed specifications are available on request.
Join a growing network of innovators advancing the future of water. Water TAP memberships connect you with exclusive access to our CSU Spur facilities, expert consulting, student talent pipelines, and high-visibility engagement opportunities. Explore the tier that best fits your organization and start shaping the next wave of water innovation