MEDIA ADVISORY: Key Water Issues of Today, Last 100 Years Are Focus of ACWA Conference

Water Leaders Will Gather May 4-7 in Monterey to Celebrate Association's Centennial


SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - April 27, 2010) -  Key water issues and the role that public water agencies have played in shaping California's history will be the focus of the Association of California Water Agencies' (ACWA) 2010 Spring Conference & Exhibition in Monterey May 4-7. More than 1,700 local water leaders are expected to attend the event, which marks the statewide association's centennial anniversary.

To kick off the conference, themed "A Century of Leadership," National Geographic magazine Executive Editor Dennis Dimick will provide a worldwide perspective on water issues at the opening breakfast on Wednesday, May 5. The April 2010 issue of National Geographic focused exclusively on water and features an in-depth article on California's water supply and delivery system and its challenges.

Later that day, a luncheon panel will look at prospects for breaking gridlock in the Delta. Phil Isenberg, chair of the newly created Delta Stewardship Council, and Don Nottoli, chair of the Delta Protection Commission, will share their thoughts on the council and Delta governance.

U.S. Rep. Jim Costa (D-Fresno) will provide an overview of California's water history at the closing breakfast on Friday, May 7. Other conference highlights include a statewide issue forum on Wednesday, May 5, on preparing for long-term water shortages, and a number of programs focusing on implementing elements of the 2009 legislative package including desalination, groundwater monitoring and water conservation requirements.

ACWA will also present its 2009 Legislative Leadership Award to Sen. Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) at a luncheon on Thursday, May 6, for his role in developing and securing legislative approval of an $11.14 billion water bond slated for the November ballot.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 450 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.

Contact Information:

Contact:
Jennifer Persike
ACWA Director of Strategic Coordination and Public Affairs
916/441-4545
916/296-3981 (cell)