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ACWA President Calls for Comprehensive Water Package

Posted on: Tuesday, 24 July 2007, 15:15 CDT

Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) President Randy Fiorini today issued a statement in support of a comprehensive water package this year. The statement was timed to coincide with Governor Schwarzenegger's news conference today, held at the Sweetwater Authority Reservoir. Fiorini appeared with the Governor at a press conference yesterday, July 23, in Long Beach.

President Fiorini issued the following statement about the importance of a comprehensive water package to Southern California:

"We all know it's a record dry year here in Southern California. ACWA's 450 public water agency members have used the latest technology to stretch existing supplies with desalination and water use efficiency; and are committed to maximizing those efforts now and into the future.

"But conservation alone won't solve the problems we are facing on a statewide level. A key source of water for Southern California is at risk, and that risk continues to grow.

"California relies on water conveyed through the Delta for 2/3 of its water supply. But the Delta is broken and it is literally one big storm or one big earthquake away from disaster. That would leave Southern California without a major water supply source -- with very real consequences for the economy, environment and lifestyle we all take for granted.

"At the border of California and Mexico -- no matter how far away it may be, the Delta matters as much as anything in your own backyard. It's not just a Northern California problem. It's very much a Southern California problem -- and indeed it's a statewide problem.

"That's why ACWA members support a comprehensive plan to invest in our water system. The plan must include investments in surface water storage, conveyance improvements that work for water users and the environment, and expanded conservation.

"In the words of President Kennedy, 'If not us, who? If not now when?' The time is now to act on a comprehensive water plan."

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

Source: Business Wire

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