Water Leaders Gather This Week to Call for Action on Water

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - May 18, 2009) - Ushered in by the summer heat, more than 1,200 California water leaders will descend upon Sacramento this week for the Association of California Water Agencies' (ACWA) Spring Conference & Exhibition Tuesday through Friday to hear the latest on the state's growing water infrastructure problems and potential solutions.

Themed "Water Infrastructure 9-1-1," the conference will focus on the need for investment in the state's water supply and delivery system. To underscore their message, ACWA members will march en masse to the State Capitol Wednesday to rally for "Action on Water Now!" Several key legislators are slated to speak, including Assembly Members Michael Villines (R-Clovis), Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and Senator Dave Cogdill (R-Fresno). The march begins at 1 p.m. from the Sheraton Grand Hotel and the rally begins at 1:30 p.m. on the East Steps of the Capitol.

Other conference highlights include:

Wednesday, May 20:

--  Welcoming comments: Sen. Darrell Steinberg, Sacramento Mayor Kevin
    Johnson, 8 a.m.
--  "Why Is Infrastructure A Problem?" Breakfast Panel Discussion, 8:30
    a.m.
--  "Delta Turmoil - How Will It Affect California's Water Rights?" 10-
    11:30 a.m.
--  "Groundwater and Conjunctive Use: Managing Sustainable Use and
    Development," 10-11:30 a.m.
    

Thursday, May 21:

--  "Creating a Sustainable Water System: What Boxes Do We Need to Check
    Off?" 10-11:45 a.m.
--  Keynote Speaker: Former U.S. Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne, 12:15
    p.m.
--  Water Forum Debate: "Surviving the Endangered Species Act," 2:15-3:45
    p.m.
--  "Where are We Headed on Water Conservation and Water Use Efficiency?"
    2:15-3:45 p.m.
    

Friday, May 22:

--  Keynote Speaker: Sacramento Bee Columnist Dan Walters, 8:30 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)