ACWA Joins Nationwide Effort to Protect Drinking Water.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 1995--The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) is joining a nationwide effort aimed at protecting drinking water supplies from cryptosporidium, giardia and other microbial agents.

The effort, called the Partnership for Safe Water, is a joint program by local water suppliers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and a number of water organizations to encourage water suppliers to voluntarily take steps to reduce risks from cryptosporidium and other emerging pathogens. The partnership was formally announced March 29 by EPA Administrator Carol Browner.

In a resolution adopted by its board of directors, ACWA pledged to become a national partner in the effort and to encourage its members to participate.

"This program represents a positive step by the nation's water industry and EPA to assure the protection of public health and maintain public confidence in the safety of drinking water," ACWA President Phil Short said.

Water systems participating in the Partnership for Safe Water are asked to review the design, maintenance and operation of their systems and then voluntarily make any refinements necessary to reduce risks from cryptosporidium and other microbial pathogens. As part of the program, systems will conduct self-assessments of their treatment processes and seek third-party evaluations to review their efforts and suggest further improvements.

Nearly 300 utilities serving 87 million people have signed onto the partnership. About 20 ACWA members have preliminarily joined the effort. Formal partnership agreements are expected to be available for signing by individual water systems in September.

The Partnership for Safe Water initiative is taking shape as federal, state and local agencies grapple with scientific uncertainty over the best way to detect cryptosporidium in raw and treated water. At the same time, Congress is turning its focus to reauthorization of the nation's Safe Drinking Water Act.

ACWA Executive Director Stephen Hall said the partnership is an opportunity for water agencies to be ahead of the curve and take the initiative to address microbial problems in advance of any regulation.

"Public water agencies are in the business of providing healthful water. This program demonstrates the commitment and initiative of water agencies to serve the highest quality water and continually look for ways to improve their operations," Hall said.

ACWA is a statewide organization whose 417 public water agency members are responsible for 90% of the water delivered in California. As a national partner, ACWA will provide technical support for its participating members, compile information on their individual programs and assure that they receive recognition for their achievements.

CONTACT: Jennifer Persike-Becker or Lisa Lien Mager, 916/441-4545