Statewide Water Conference in Indian Wells Expected to Delve into Critical Statewide Water Issues

More than 1,600 local water officials are expected to attend the Association of California Water Agencies’ 2007 Fall Conference & Exhibition November 27-30 in Indian Wells. Speakers include state and federal elected officials and water policy leaders who will discuss the status of California’s water; including recent federal court decisions and potential 2008 water initiatives. Themed, “The Time is Now,” the conference will officially begin Tuesday, Nov. 27 with ACWA committee meetings and continues through Friday, Nov. 30.

Kicking off Wednesday, Nov. 28 will be a keynote address titled, “California’s Water: A Crisis We Can’t Ignore,” with moderator Jennifer Persike, director of strategic coordination and public affairs, ACWA; speakers John Fairbank, partner/principal, Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin & Associates, and Paul Mandabach, partner, Winner & Mandabach at 8 a.m. The program will provide an overview of ACWA’s multi-million dollar statewide public education program.

Also on Wednesday a luncheon program features a panel discussion and videotaped address by Phillip Isenberg, chair, Delta Vision Blue Ribbon Task Force, on the task of developing a durable vision for the Delta. A panel moderated by ACWA president Randy Fiorini, and including speakers; Lester Snow, director, California Department of Water Resources and Sunne Wright-McPeak, president and CEO, California Emerging Technology Fund, will examine the task force’s recommendations and Delta Vision.

On Thursday, Nov. 29 at 10 a.m. speakers Laura Harnish, deputy regional director, Environmental Defense; Steve A. Merksamer, partner, Nielsen, Merksamer, Parrinello, Mueller & Naylor, and Allan Zaremberg, president & CEO, California Chamber of Commerce, provide their insight and expertise on planning for a statewide water initiative. The program will be moderated by Timothy Quinn, executive director, ACWA.

The conference concludes on Friday, Nov 30 with “Southern California Wildfires Put ACWA Member Agencies to the Test.” Water agencies directly impacted by the fires will provide a rundown of what they had to cope with during and after the firestorms.

WHAT: ACWA 2007 Fall Conference & Exhibition

WHEN: Nov. 27-30, 2007

WHERE: Indian Wells, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Hyatt Grand Champions

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.