TORONTO, ON, Canada, June 25, 2007 -- The American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the India Water Works Association (IWWA) launched a new era of cooperation yesterday by signing a Memo of Understanding (MOU) to share expertise and resources that extend their common goal of providing safe and reliable water.
In a ceremony at AWWA's Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE07), AWWA President Terry Rolan and incoming President Nilaksh Kothari, who begins his tenure on Wednesday, joined IWWA President Omprakash Goyal in signing the MOU which includes:
• Examining existing programs and other resources for potential cooperative efforts and exchange of comparative industry information.
• Developing cooperative arrangements for promoting each other's programs and materials.
• Maintaining regular communication between leaders of the associations and developing avenues to promote dialogue amongst the associations' members who share similar expertise.
• Looking for new programs to develop cooperatively and share expertise, results, and program benefits.
"This agreement between AWWA and IWWA represents a significant moment in our common mission to provide safe and reliable water to our citizens," Rolan said.
"Both AWWA and IWWA will benefit from this new commitment to share our intellectual capital and unique experiences," added Kothari, General Manager of Public Utilities for the city of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
"IWWA looks forward to a long-lasting cooperation with AWWA in helping achieve the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations on water supply and sanitation and improving quality of service to people," said IWWA's Goyal.
ACE07 in Toronto is the 125th annual conference of AWWA and features the largest professional program of its kind. The ACE07 Exposition will also feature more than 500 manufacturers and consultants showcasing the latest products and services available to help ensure safe water.
AWWA is the authoritative resource for knowledge, information, and advocacy to improve the quality and supply of water in North America and beyond. AWWA is the largest organization of water professionals in the world. AWWA advances public health, safety and welfare by uniting the efforts of the full spectrum of the entire water community. Through our collective strength we become better stewards of water for the greatest good of the people and the environment.
###
