EIP's 2005 Water Resources Industry Survey shows significant trend changes

SACRAMENTO, CA, March 29, 2005 -- EIP Associates' Water Resources Group earlier this month released the results of its second annual California Water Resources Industry Survey. Although not intended to be a comprehensive survey based on rigorous statistical methodologies, EIP's surveys do provide a glimpse into what water resource professionals consider to be some of their more pressing issues, what is being done to address them, and some short-term trends reflecting how respondents' views have changed over the past year. Key findings in this year's survey included:

-- The use of conservation as a water management technique is on the rise. More than half (58%) of respondents report using water conservation as a current water management technique -- compared to only about a quarter (26%) of last year's respondents.

-- More districts are considering the use of recycling as a water management technique in the future. A majority (60%) of this year's respondents indicate that their agency is considering the implementation of recycling as a water management technique in the future, up from one third (33%) of last year's respondents -- almost a 100 percent increase.

-- Water security is still a major concern, but diversion of resources to security has decreased significantly. Though the importance of water system security was ranked slightly higher this year than last year, a vast majority of water professionals (90%) indicated that water security concerns have not diverted resources from efforts to improve water quality and supply, compared to roughly two-thirds (67%) last year.

EIP Associates' Water Resources Group specializes in integrating science, planning and engineering to improve water supplies and watersheds throughout California. EIP helps public and private sector clients find creative and effective solutions to complex environmental planning and resource management issues.

With headquarters in Sacramento and offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles and Pasadena, Calif., EIP Associates is a listed consultant with the California Urban Water Conservation Council, providing specific expertise in the areas of water conservation and water resource planning. The complete survey and its results can be found on the company's website at: www.eipassociates.com.

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