ACWA Conference Set to Prepare Water Agencies for 2009

Drought, Climate Change Are Focus of Dec. 2-5 Conference in Long Beach


SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - November 26, 2008) - As the twin issues of drought and climate change continue to take center stage in California, members of the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) will hear the latest on water supply challenges at ACWA's 2008 Fall Conference and Exhibition in Long Beach Dec. 2-5. The theme is "Shaping A Sustainable Future."

At the opening breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 3, a panel of experts led by National Geographic magazine Executive Editor Dennis Dimick will provide a worldwide perspective on water issues. "Water: A Global Priority, A Global Challenge" will look at water challenges around the world and how their solutions can be applied to California's supply and delivery system.

Two of the state's top water officials, Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman and DWR Director Lester Snow, will provide the latest on drought and other challenges during a luncheon program on Thursday, Dec. 4. Dry conditions statewide have put cities and counties at risk for fire, and state water allocations are predicted to be just 15% in 2009 -- the second lowest in history. "Water and Fire: Drought Management in the Golden State" will outline how the administration plans to deal with drought in 2009.

Other programs highlights include:

Wednesday, Dec. 3:

--  "The Peripheral Canal: A Changed Debate, or Same-Old, Same-Old?" 10-
    11:45 a.m.
--  "The Change Election: A Historic Time in America," MSNBC political
    commentator Rachel Maddow, noon.
    

Thursday, Dec. 4:

--  "The Lower Yuba River Accord: A Sustainability Success Story," 10-
    11:30 a.m.
--  "How Drought is Drying Up California's Groundwater," 10-11:30 a.m.
--  "Is it Time to Mandate Water Conservation?" 2:30-3:45 p.m.
    

Friday, Dec. 5:

--  Water insiders offer their take on what's in store in Washington, D.C.
    8:30-10 a.m.
    

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)