Cookie Policy
If you have any questions about how we use cookies and other tracking technologies, please email us at webmaster@awwa.org or submit an online inquiry.
Last updated: September 27, 2018
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files that are sent to and stored on your computer or other internet connected device when you visit websites. They are widely used to make websites work, or work in a better, more efficient way. A web beacon links web pages to servers and may be used to transmit information collected through cookies back to a web server. Other tracking technologies such as pixels, JavaScript, or web server logs allow us to use invisible images or code, or data from our web server logs, to gain analytics insights.
Why do we use cookies?
We collect information through cookies (including Adobe Flash cookies), web beacons, pixels, web server logs, JavaScript, and other tracking technologies (collectively “cookies”) to display relevant content, products and services to website visitors. AWWA’s website (our “Website”) places Cookies on your computer to:
- Anonymously track overall Website usage data,
- Anonymously track product and shopping cart transactions,
- Indicate whether you have successfully logged into the Website for access to restricted information or services, and
- Provide data that helps us improve your online experience on our Website.
How long do cookies stay on your computer?
AWWA uses temporary “session” cookies that are deleted when you close your browser. Some session cookies are essential for the functionality of the Website, such as permitting us to authenticate you during registration or login processes. AWWA also uses “persistent” cookies that stay on your computer for a duration defined within the cookie. Persistent cookies help us track site usage across multiple browser sessions or over a longer period of time.
Session cookies and persistent cookies are used together to gather information about how you use our Website. For example, we may learn what website referred you to our Website, or what browser you are using to visit our website from a session cookie. Persistent cookies can recognize you and remember important information that will make your use of our Website more convenient such as by remembering your login status and user preferences.
What information do we obtain with cookies?
We may obtain information about your computer, device, and browser, such as your IP address, browser, operating system and device characteristics, language preferences, mobile device or advertising ID, referring URLs, and actions taken by you on our Website, such as what content you visited, whether you have used the Website before, the dates and times you access the Website, your email and advertising views and click-throughs to our Website, your frequent searches on the Website, and other software or hardware information. If you access the Website from a mobile device, we may collect information about that device, such as a unique device identifier (“UDID”), mobile phone number, and your mobile carrier.
AWWA uses Google Analytics to place cookies on your computer or device to assess our Website’s performance and make improvements to our Website based on how people use the Website. To opt-out of being tracked by Google Analytics across all websites, you can download and install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on from Google.
How do we use the information we obtain from cookies?
We use information learned via cookies to enhance our products and services, such as by learning which content is popular. We may also use cookies to link your use of the Website to personal data we have about you. For example, if you have asked us to provide you with information about our upcoming products or promotions, cookies may enable us to customize the materials we provide to you based on your online interests and preferences.
Can we use cookies to track your online activities?
Through the cookies of Google Analytics, our third-party analytics provider, and those of ad networks and advertisers, we can track your online activities over time and across third-party websites, apps, and devices, by obtaining information through automated means. This information, along with information we gather when you log in, can be used to understand use across sites and devices to help improve our products, remember your preferences, provide content recommendations, and show you advertisements on the Website or other third-party websites and apps tailored to your individual interests.
The information these third parties may obtain on our behalf includes data about your visits to websites and the use of apps that serve our advertisements, such as the pages, articles, or ads you view and the actions you take on those third-party websites or apps. This data collection takes place both on our sites, apps, and emails and on third-party websites and apps.
How do our cookies connect with social media websites?
Some of our Website pages offer links making it easy for you to share content through your own social media accounts. These features use software code from the social network providers which is beyond our control. Please refer to the related social network policies for more information.
How can you manage or control cookies?
You can control how your browser handles requests to place cookies on your computer. For example, you can instruct your browser to block all cookies, ask for your permission before installing cookies, or allow all cookies. These browser settings are applied for all websites you visit, not solely for the AWWA website. You can also delete cookies previously stored on your computer. If you have multiple browsers on your computer or device (i.e., Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge), each browser has its own settings and must be maintained independently. Use your browser’s “Help” option for more information.
Updates to This Policy
AWWA regularly modifies its policies in response to technology and regulatory mandates. Please refer back to this page for the most recent version of our policies.