• Touts comprehensive package at ACWA conference appearance
SACRAMENTO, CA, May 9, 2007 -- Saying the time to act is now, Governor Schwarzenegger today urged ACWA members to turn up the pressure on lawmakers to approve a comprehensive package of water investments this year.
Addressing a standing-room-only audience of about 800 at ACWA's Spring Conference & Exhibition, the Governor said investments in surface storage, Delta sustainability and conservation are needed now to ensure California has a secure water supply in the future.
Noting that snowpack levels are at their lowest since 1989, he said water issues have captured the attention of the media. With climate change poised to create even more challenges, it will be critical to keep that momentum going.
"We are not at a crisis point yet, but we are almost there," he said. "We can't wait. We need a water management system that tackles our water needs on all fronts. That means additional storage, conservation, and water recycling."
He praised ACWA members for implementing cutting-edge conservation programs that are saving 230,000 acre-feet of water a year, or enough for 1.2 million people a year. While there is still more to be done, conservation -- or "smart water consumption" -- alone will not be enough, he said.
"We need higher levels of conservation. But conservation doesn't provide flood protection. It doesn't allow us to take advantage of the full potential of groundwater storage, or help in the sixth year of a drought. We need investments in above-ground water storage to increase our water supply and provide flexibility to deal with climate change."
Noting that a Senate committee failed to approve Senate Bill 59 on April 24, Schwarzenegger said lawmakers need to hear from local water agencies that a comprehensive water package is needed. He said the vote was just the beginning of the debate.
"They told me they didn't feel the pressure, the need to pass it. That's the way Sacramento works. The squeaky wheels get the grease in our building."
He urged ACWA members to stay engaged. "We can get it done this year, but it all depends on you. I need you to get back in the trenches again, and let your legislators know this is extremely important. It's our responsibility to do everything we can to protect our water and create the water supply for the future so this state stays the Golden State."
After the Governor's remarks, ACWA President Randy Fiorini announced that ACWA has launched a campaign called the "The Time is Now" to generate support for the Governor's water package and assist ACWA members with local outreach and legislative contacts. "We are supporting this package, and we will continue to support it through this effort," Fiorini said.
He also presented Schwarzenegger a keepsake copy of ACWA's 2005 water policy, "No Time to Waste: A Blueprint for California Water." The document's recommendations for additional storage, Delta sustainability and conservation are echoed in the Governor's water package.
ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 460 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.
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