ACWA Presents Water Leadership Award to Dave Orth

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - May 6, 2015) - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) today presented its 2015 Excellence in Water Leadership Award to Dave Orth, general manager of the Kings River Conservation District.

Over the course of his career, Orth has established himself as a true leader and steward of California's water resources on both the local and statewide levels. He played a critical role in the development of the integrated regional water management plan for the Upper Kings River Basin, as well as the formation of the Southern San Joaquin Valley Water Quality Irrigated Lands Program. Orth's collaborative vision also helped to shepherd ACWA to consensus in developing recommendations to improve local management of groundwater basins. Many of ACWA's recommendations ended up in California's landmark Sustainable Groundwater Management Act signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown last September.

Additionally, Dave plays a key role in planning for the future of California's statewide water resources as a member of the California Water Commission.

"Securing California's water future requires strong leadership and vision. Dave Orth is the embodiment of such leadership," said ACWA President John Coleman. "Through his work on both the local and statewide levels, Dave is truly building a world of difference and his contributions will reverberate for years to come. ACWA is honored to present this award to such a deserving recipient."

The Excellence in Water Leadership Award - Building a World of Difference^® recognizes groups or individuals who have made a remarkable and visible contribution to California water. The award, sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation, was presented at ACWA's 2015 Spring Conference & Exhibition, which continues through Friday in Sacramento.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 430 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.