ACWA Lauds Signing of Groundwater Legislation

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Sep 16, 2014) - Timothy Quinn, executive director of the statewide Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA), issued the following statement on the signing of historic groundwater legislation today by Gov. Jerry Brown. The three-bill package is aimed at advancing sustainable management of the state's groundwater basins.

"This legislation has been called one of the most important developments in California water history. Its passage is indeed historic, and sets us on a path toward locally controlled, sustainable groundwater management.

"This legislation addresses a groundwater crisis that has been brewing for over half a century. It is designed to place the power to deal with that crisis in local hands, and it does exactly that.

"ACWA recognizes there are concerns, particularly in the Central Valley, where water managers are struggling with drought and deep cuts in surface water deliveries. But it is important to keep in mind that this groundwater legislation is but one essential component of a comprehensive water action plan put forth by the Brown Administration and strongly supported by ACWA and its members.

"We are committed to working with the Administration, local water managers and others to implement this package as part of that comprehensive action plan. I have no doubt that in the near future, we will look back on this day as a turning point in securing reliable, long-term water supplies for California and our vital agricultural economy."

ACWA is 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.