At the Water Technology Acceleration Platform (Water TAP), we bring together utilities, industry, technology developers, regulators, and researchers to co-create the next generation of sustainable, fit-for-purpose water solutions.
Our membership program offers a unique opportunity to engage with a nationally recognized platform dedicated to advancing applied research, workforce development, and cross-sector collaboration. Whether you’re a startup, municipality, or global firm, Water TAP provides a flexible pathway to connect, contribute, and shape the future of water innovation.
Water TAP accelerates transformative technologies to create circular water systems.
Become part of a national platform where research, industry, and innovation converge to shape the future of water.
Connect | Collaborate | Contribute | Create
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’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.
Projects without an active Water TAP Membership or a CSU-affiliated Principal Investigator (PI or Co-PI) will be assessed an additional space rental premium based on the square footage required to support the project.
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.
Water TAP also offers sponsorship opportunities for equipment, facility features, events, and custom trainings.
These collaborations provide branding visibility, recognition in CSU communications, and a tangible way to support innovation and workforce development.
Ready to collaborate? Join Water TAP to connect with experts, test new technologies, and advance water innovation across sectors.
Seat on the Board of Directors, providing strategic guidance on Water TAP’s vision and priorities
Representation on up to three Advisory Committees
Five complimentary passes to the Annual Member Conference
Early access to research findings, technology disclosures, and policy updates
Up to 8 hours of consultation annually with Water TAP experts and CSU faculty
First priority for professional development program design and custom workforce training
Opportunities to serve as featured speakers, participate in student projects, and co-develop pilots
High-impact logo placement on website, lab, and member events
Featured spotlights in CSU and Water TAP communications
Recognition across lab signage, reports, and digital media
50% Discount on Public Spur event-space rate
$600 annual rental credit at CSU Spur
10% off leasable lab space at CSU Spur
Representation on Advisory Committee(s)
Three complimentary passes to the Annual Member Conference
Early access to research and technology updates
Up to 4 hours of consultation annually with Water TAP faculty or staff
Second priority for custom training and professional development courses
Opportunities to serve as guest speakers, support student projects, and participate in internships
Logo displayed prominently on website, lab, and events
Featured spotlights in newsletters and CSU communications
$300 annual rental credit at CSU Spur
10% off leasable lab space at CSU Spur
Representation on Advisory Committee(s)
Two complimentary passes to the Annual Member Conference
Early access to updates and findings from Water TAP research
Up to 2 hours of consultation annually with Water TAP experts
Third priority for professional development programs
Opportunities for student projects, internships, and mentoring
Logo displayed on website, lab, and events
Featured spotlights on social media
50% Discount on Public Spur event-space rate
$150 annual rental credit at CSU Spur
10% off leasable lab space at CSU Spur
Participation in Advisory Committee activities
One complimentary pass to the Annual Member Conference
One complimentary 30-minute consultation with Water TAP experts
Access to career fairs, student internships, and project development opportunities
Participation in select professional development or technical events
Logo displayed on Water TAP website
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.
Information on accessing these benefits is provided in the Water TAP Member Handbook.
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.
Information on accessing these benefits is provided in the Water TAP Member Handbook.
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.
Information on accessing these benefits is provided in the Water TAP Member Handbook.
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.
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:
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’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.