Policymakers, Water Industry Leaders to Mark 15 Years of Water Reliability and Conservation Accomplishments in the Sacramento Region
SACRAMENTO–Policymakers and water industry leaders will come together to celebrate the 15-year anniversary of the Regional Water Authority on Thursday, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Scott’s Seafood on the River in Sacramento.
The event will mark the significant accomplishments and milestones made by RWA and local water providers toward building reliable water supplies and increasing water efficiency in the Sacramento region. RWA represents nearly two dozen water suppliers in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, Yolo and Sutter counties.
During the anniversary event, State Senator Ted Gaines and Assemblymember Beth Gaines will present RWA with resolutions from the California Senate and Assembly recognizing RWA for its achievements, some of which include:
- Obtaining and managing more than $80 million of state and federal grant funds to conduct planning and implement water supply, water quality and environmental restoration projects.
- Facilitating implementation of a regional conjunctive use program that supports reduced diversions from the American River in dry years.
- Preparing the American River Basin Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and overseeing its implementation.
- Developing the award-winning Regional Water Efficiency Program, which assists water providers in implementing water conservation best management practices in a cost-effective manner and in communicating water efficiency information to the public.
- Providing assistance for local water suppliers in implementing the historic Water Forum Agreement.
In all, more than 25 federal, state and local policymakers and their staff are expected to attend the event to mark these achievements. In addition, Former State Senator and current President and CEO of the California Building Industry Association, David Cogdill, will deliver the keynote address, discussing the role of reliable water supplies in building a healthy economy and creating alliances with the building industry.
Media interested in covering RWA’s 15-year anniversary celebration should contact Christine Kohn, RWA Public Outreach Coordinator, at (916) 548-8988 or [email protected].
RWA Anniversary Event at a Glance
- When: Thursday, July 14, 11:30 a.m. registration, 12 p.m. event begins
- Where: Scott’s Seafood on the River, 4800 Riverside Blvd. in Sacramento
- More Info: Contact Christine Kohn at (916) 548-8988 or [email protected]
The Regional Water Authority is a joint powers authority representing two dozen water providers and affiliates in the greater Sacramento area. Its primary mission is to help its members protect and enhance the reliability, availability, affordability and quality of water resources.
What Others Are Saying
“The Regional Water Authority has made our region stronger and more resilient. It has created a forum that works for the greater good of the region—through wet years and dry years, times of peace and times of conflict. Without RWA’s guidance we would not be as far along in balancing the many needs within our watershed. I thank RWA for what they do and wish them well for another 15 years of service.”
—Congresswoman Doris Matsui
“The RWA has been a model for intelligent stewardship of water resources at a community-wide scale to benefit people and the environment. Integrating across geographies, disciplines, water supply and water quality takes technical skill, but also human skills—RWA does both well in effective service to the greater Sacramento community.”
-–Felicia Marcus, Chair, State Water Resources Control Board
“We need integrated, cooperative, watershed-focused institutions like the Regional Water Authority if we hope to sustainably manage California’s water resources for the next generation. For the last 15 years, the Regional Water Authority has set a good example of how dozens of separate institutions in a region can work together to equitably manage rivers and groundwater for people, industry, agriculture and the environment.”
-–Mark W. Cowin, Director, California Department of Water Resources
“RWA is a case study in what can be accomplished through collaboration. It’s inspiring to see the progress RWA and its members have made over the past 15 years. Congratulations on a job well done.”
–-Kathleen Tiegs, President, Association of California Water Agencies
“The Regional Water Authority is a bright spot in California’s water landscape. Whether it’s making integrated regional water planning a reality or providing on-the-ground leadership on water use efficiency, RWA has proven the value of regional collaboration. I know water managers around the state see RWA as a model for uniting a region around a shared vision, and for securing funding for priority projects. Congratulations on a successful 15 years.”
–-Timothy Quinn, Executive Director, Association of California Water Agencies
“RWA has fundamentally changed the role and influence the Sacramento region has on state water policy. The conjunctive use programs promoted by RWA have not only contributed to regional sustainability but also demonstrate effective water management to other regions.”
—Lester Snow, Executive Director, Water Foundation
“We join the chorus in celebrating the Regional Water Authority’s 15th anniversary. The Sacramento Valley is a very special and unique place–the RWA has been a leader for the past 15 years in defining and then advancing efficient regional water management within the Sacramento metropolitan area. During this time, the RWA has established itself as a credible, thoughtful and forceful voice for the capital region and this great Valley. Congratulations on your many achievements. We value our strong collaboration and we look forward to our continuing partnerships to make the North State a better place.”
-–David Guy, Executive Director, Northern California Water Association
