ACWA’s Statewide Conference Focuses on Keeping California “Water Strong” Through Forward-Thinking Water Policy

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 27, 2017 -- Keeping “CA Water Strong” through solid water infrastructure, sustainable groundwater systems and forward-thinking water policy will be the focus of the Association of California Water Agencies’ (ACWA) 2017 Fall Conference & Exhibition in Anaheim Nov. 28 – Dec. 1.

An estimated 1,600 local and state water leaders will gather at the four-day event – titled “CA Water Strong” – where they will attend more than 80 meetings, panel discussions, forums, presentations and keynote addresses. Topics to be explored range from navigating climate change in the Sierra to desalination, innovative water rate structures and advances in recycled water.

On Wednesday Nov. 29, Chronicles Group, Inc. Producer Jim Thebaut will discuss water challenges and food security issues examined in his film “Beyond the Brink.” The film explores society’s future in a world where water, food and natural resources teeter on the edge of sustainability. The film also provides a vision for a path forward, focusing on efforts already underway to shift our course.

Later that day, newly-appointed California Department of Water Resources Director Grant Davis will deliver a keynote address on his first 100 days with the department and some of DWR’s largest projects, such as the recent Oroville Spillway repairs. Davis also will look at future efforts including improvements in long-term forecasting.

Thursday’s keynote luncheon address will be presented by Austin Ewell, deputy assistant secretary for water and science at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, who will provide an update on federal issues emanating from Washington, D.C.

The full conference program is available here.

Highlights of the conference include:

• A Wednesday, Nov. 29 Statewide Issue Forum titled: “Can we Close the ‘Deal’ on WaterFix?”
• A Wednesday, Nov. 29, Statewide Issue Forum titled: “Finding a Path Forward for Renewed Health of California Headwaters”
• A Wednesday, Nov. 29, Regional Issues Forum titled: “Navigating Climate Change in the Sierra”
• A Thursday, Nov. 30 Town Hall session titled: “State Water Board’s Development of a Plan for a Low-Income Water Rate Assistance Program – Can the State and Local Water Agencies Get on the Same Page?”
• A Thursday, Nov. 30 Water industry trends program titled: “What’s the Potential for Increased Groundwater Replenishment?”
• A Friday, Dec. 1 breakfast titled: “Devastation and Destruction: A Story of Response and Resiliency”  

WHAT:    ACWA’s 2017 Fall Conference & Exhibition
WHEN:    Tuesday, Nov. 28 - Friday, Dec. 1
WHERE:  Anaheim Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, CA

Contact: Heather Engel, Director of Communications | (916) 441-4545 | C (760) 217-0627