April 4, 2011

SCWC Op-Ed Calls for Focus on Stormwater Capture

SCWC Executive Director Rich Atwater wrote an Op-Ed late last week discussing the need for increasing our efforts to capture stormwater efficiently, and develop it into a more prominent water resource.

Atwater highlights the viability and cost-efficiency of stormwater capture, and also emphasizes the importance of initiatives like the SCWC Stormwater Task Force:

"Our organization is spearheading a regional collaboration to encourage and support stormwater projects, policies, legislation and funding opportunities, uniting for the first time ever the six counties in the Southern California coastal plain - Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego - on this issue." Read more here.

The piece ran in three Southern California newspapers, the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, the Pasadena Star News and the Whittier Daily News.

The article was also featured today on the prominent California politics blog, Fox & Hounds Daily.

SCWC Provides Important Guidance to Members at Urban Water Planning Workshop

On Friday, March 25, SCWC hosted its third Urban Water Planning Workshop at the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California to help our members as they work through the complex process of updating their urban water management plans to comply with the latest state regulations.

SCWC issued a press release following the latest workshop, which reflected the positive feedback on the event from panelists and attendees alike.

"Given the complexities of California's water resources and new legislative requirements for conservation, preparing urban water management plans is a complex process for water suppliers. The Southern California Water Committee's informational workshop was a value-added event for our agency staff to attend. The quality insight and practical advice the panelists offered on properly submitting an urban water management plan will be of great benefit to us as we move forward." Read more here.

Steve Robbins
General Manager
Coachella Valley Water District

SCWC sincerely thanks all of our panelists who so graciously volunteered their time, as well as Best Best & Krieger for their generous sponsorship.

We will be planning a follow-up workshop soon. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks.

Save the Date: SCWC Quarterly Meeting April 14

For our next Quarterly Meeting, SCWC is proud to welcome Jerry Meral, Deputy Secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency, as keynote speaker.
 
You won't want to miss this excellent opportunity to hear from Meral and other water leaders, and participate in the dialogue on our state's critical water issues.

Also joining us will be Keith Coolidge of the Delta Stewardship Council, who will talk about the continuing development of the Delta Stewardship Council's Delta Plan.
 
To RSVP now, contact Alex Comisar at acomisar@fionahuttonassoc.com.

Gov. Brown Declares End to Calif. Drought; SCWC Responds

In light of unusually high levels of precipitation so far this year, Gov. Jerry Brown last week declared an end to California's three-year drought.

SCWC Executive Director Rich Atwater responded in a statement, expressing encouragement about the Governor's announcement, but warning that the end of the drought does not reduce the urgent need for important efforts like the Bay Delta Conservation Plan.

"We must remember that our state's toughest water challenges lie ahead of us, not behind. The deterioration of California's water infrastructure continues to threaten the security of our water future, regardless of precipitation levels. That's why it's crucial that California's water leaders and stakeholders remain actively engaged in the effort to move forward with the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, and continue to work together toward a reliable water supply for all Californians." Read more here.

Coming Soon: A Brand New Look for SCWC

SCWC is set to unveil a new "look" and online presence at our next Quarterly Meeting on April 14.

The upgraded package includes a new logo and design, an enhanced website with increased interactive functionality and a full suite of new informational and marketing materials.

This upgraded set of capabilities will give our organization a significant boost as we continue to enhance our statewide influence and profile, and it further reflects the momentum and growth we have experienced in recent years.

SCWC Upcoming Events

Association of Water Agencies of Ventura County 19th Annual Water Symposium - April 21

Orange County Water Summit - May 20

Not Already a Member?

Want to learn about breaking water news first? Think your public agency could use informational materials on water issues? Then join the SCWC today!

SCWC members have priority access to important information and updates on breaking issues. Join the SCWC today to receive these exclusive benefits. Contact Alex Comisar for more details on membership and materials.

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