The ASTEE ( Scientific and Technical Association for Water and the Environment , former AGHTM) is a scientific and technical association of public utility founded in 1905 . Multi-stakeholder platform, it brings together nearly 3800 members , structures and professionals from public and private organizations involved in the local public services of the environment . With 45 working groups composed of about 400 volunteers and 13 chapters across the country, it is intended to produce and disseminate technical reference information.