ACWA Offers Online Water Shortage Tools for Reporters

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - April 8, 2009) - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has overhauled the drought section of its Web site to provide more in-depth tools and information on drought and ongoing water shortages to its members, the media and the general public.

The new and improved site, located at www.acwa.com/issues/cadrought, provides an overview of the water shortage crisis, with background on hydrologic conditions, state actions, recent court decisions, California's water infrastructure crisis and ACWA's response.

In the reporter-specific section of the site, visitors will find an interactive map showing actions by local water agencies, including those urging water conservation and those mandating cutbacks in use. Other features include water shortage contacts from around the state and a photo gallery where reporters may download high-resolution images showing the impacts of drought.

The site also includes a "Drought Headlines" section where links to news stories on water shortages around the state are posted daily.

For more information on drought and California's ongoing water shortage crisis, contact Jennifer Persike, ACWA Director of Strategic Coordination and Public Affairs, at jenniferp@acwa.com or 916-441-4545.

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)