The Water Quality Association (“WQA,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy and handling personal information responsibly. This Privacy Statement explains how we collect, use, share, retain, and protect personal information when you visit our websites, register for events, participate in certification programs, become a member, purchase products or services, or otherwise interact with WQA.
Depending on your location and applicable law, including California privacy laws and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), you may have certain rights regarding your personal information, including the ability to access, correct, delete, or limit the use of your information.
By using our website or engaging with WQA programs and services, you acknowledge the practices described in this Privacy Statement.
Information We Collect
We may collect information that you provide directly to us, including:
- Name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Telephone number
- Employer and job title
- Membership information
- Certification and education records
- Event registration information
- Payment and billing information
- Communications and inquiries submitted to WQA
We may also automatically collect certain technical information when you visit our website, including:
- IP address
- Browser type and device information
- Operating system
- Website usage information
- Pages visited and time spent on our website
- Referring websites
- Cookie and analytics information
How We Use Information
We use personal information to:
- Administer memberships, certifications, events, educational programs, and other services.
- Process registrations, purchases, donations, and transactions.
- Communicate with members, certificants, customers, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
- Respond to inquiries and provide customer support.
- Distribute publications, newsletters, and industry updates.
- Conduct surveys and research activities.
- Improve our programs, services, and website functionality.
- Analyze website usage and user engagement.
- Protect the security and integrity of our systems.
- Comply with legal, regulatory, accreditation, and contractual obligations.
Where required by applicable law, WQA processes personal information based on consent, contractual necessity, legal obligations, or WQA’s legitimate interests in carrying out its mission and providing services.
Sharing Information
WQA does not sell personal information.
We may share personal information with trusted service providers that assist us in operating our organization and delivering services, such as:
- Membership management providers
- Event and learning management platforms
- Payment processors
- Email and communication providers
- Website hosting and analytics providers
These service providers may access personal information only as necessary to perform services on WQA’s behalf and are required to maintain appropriate confidentiality and security measures.
We may also disclose personal information when required by law or when necessary to protect the rights, property, safety, or security of WQA, our members, users, or others.
Cookies and Analytics
WQA uses cookies and similar technologies to improve website functionality, enhance the user experience, analyze website traffic, and support website operations.
You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings. Please note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality and your ability to access certain features.
International Data Transfers
WQA is headquartered in the United States. Personal information may be processed, stored, or transferred to the United States or other countries where WQA or its service providers operate. We take reasonable measures to protect personal information during such transfers and to comply with applicable privacy laws.
Data Retention
WQA retains personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Statement, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, maintain certification and membership records, resolve disputes, enforce agreements, and support organizational operations.
Your Privacy Choices and Rights
Depending on your location and applicable law, you may have the right to:
- Access personal information maintained by WQA.
- Request correction of inaccurate information.
- Request deletion of personal information.
- Request restriction of certain processing activities.
- Object to certain uses of personal information.
- Request a copy of personal information you have provided to WQA.
- Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent.
- Opt out of receiving marketing communications.
WQA will respond to applicable requests in accordance with legal requirements. Certain information may be retained where necessary for legal, contractual, accreditation, certification, recordkeeping, or legitimate business purposes.
Marketing emails include an unsubscribe option. Operational communications related to membership, certification, events, purchases, or services may continue even if you opt out of marketing communications.
Additional California Privacy Rights
California residents may have additional privacy rights under applicable California law, including the right to know what categories of personal information WQA collects, uses, discloses, or shares; request deletion or correction of personal information; and limit certain uses of sensitive personal information, subject to applicable exceptions. California residents also have the right not to be discriminated against for exercising their privacy rights. WQA will respond to verified requests in accordance with applicable law.
Third-Party Websites
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. WQA is not responsible for the privacy, content, or security practices of those websites. We encourage users to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites they visit.
Data Security
WQA maintains administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.
While we use reasonable measures to protect personal information, no method of electronic transmission or storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Children’s Privacy
WQA’s websites and services are not directed to children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.
Changes to This Privacy Statment
WQA may update this Privacy Statement from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, technology, or legal requirements. The revised version will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.
Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Statement, WQA’s privacy practices, or would like to exercise applicable privacy rights, please contact:
Water Quality Association
2375 Cabot Drive
Lisle, Illinois 60532
Email: wqa@wqa.org