ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 21, 2002 -- The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) awarded three California water agencies Thursday for their strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
The City of Santa Rosa Utilities Department, East Bay Municipal Utility District, and Santa Clara Valley Water District were named recipients of the prestigious Theodore Roosevelt Environmental Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Management. The awards were presented at ACWA's annual fall conference in Anaheim on November 21.
Since 1993, ACWA has presented the Theodore Roosevelt Award each year to recognize water agencies for programs that protect natural resources while meeting public needs. Winners are selected in three budget categories.
"Even as they face growing demands and tough new challenges, water agencies are committed to meeting the needs of the environment as well as the people they serve," said ACWA President Bette Boatmun.
In the first budget category ($25,000 or less), the City of Santa Rosa Utilities Department won top honors for its community water fair. Santa Rosa wanted its citizens to learn more about the city's water supply -- from its source to its treatment and distribution. The water fair, held in May, was a huge success, with more than 2,000 attendees.
East Bay Municipal Utility District captured the award in the second budget category ($25,000 to $100,000). The agency was recognized for its Range Resources Management Plan. East Bay MUD's innovative grazing program promotes biodiversity, reduces water quality impacts and meets fuel management goals for the watershed. The plan was implemented one year ago and is already showing results.
In the third budget category ($100,000 or more), the award went to Santa Clara Valley Water District for its Water-Wise House Call Program -- one of the most comprehensive residential water use surveys in the state. The program, aimed at promoting water conservation inside and outside the home, is believed to have saved an average of 49 gallons of water per day for single-family homes.
ACWA is a statewide organization whose 440 public water agencies are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwanet.com.
