"California's Water" Wins International Award.

Public Television Series Underwritten by ACWA Recognized at Event in Spain

MURCIA, Spain -- A multipart series for public television underwritten by the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) garnered top honors November 21 at the third-annual Agua Para Todos (Water for All) International Awards in Murcia, Spain.

The "California's Water" series, produced by Huell Howser Productions for public television stations throughout California, received the top award for journalism at a televised gala event held in Torre Pacheco honoring organizations and individuals for their efforts on water. The award recognized the Public Broadcasting Service, ACWA and Huell Howser for bringing information about water resources and water management to the public.

"This series highlights the benefits this resource brings to agriculture, industry and ecosystem health and C* looks at infrastructure, wise use and water management tools to modernize and optimize water resources," said Jose Antonio Ruiz Vivo, general secretary for external relations for the regional government of Murcia.

Jennifer Persike, ACWA's director of strategic coordination and public affairs, accepted the award on behalf of ACWA, PBS and Huell Howser Productions. "In California as in Murcia, it is a challenge to ensure that people have enough water especially in times of drought. We are fortunate to have the talent of Huell Howser and the power of 13 public broadcasting stations to tell people about the challenges that affect their water and their role in conserving and protecting the resource," Persike said.

The awards ceremony capped three days of press conferences and events highlighting the series and California water in general. "Due to similar climate and water challenges, there is tremendous interest in how California has managed scarce water resources," said Persike.

ACWA President Randy Fiorini said, "We were so pleased to have our ambassador, Ms. Persike, accept this award on behalf of the association and are very gratified that the Region of Murcia has honored the 'California's Water' series."

"California's Water" began airing in March 2006. Series segments have aired more than 100 times to date on topics such as climate change, water recycling, watershed management and water use efficiency. Additional segments are planned for 2007.

Also receiving honors at the Agua Para Todos International Awards was University of California, Berkeley, Professor John Dracup. He was presented with an award for his research and analysis of trends related to droughts and water transfers.

More on "California's Water" is available at www.acwa.com

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 440 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.