ACWA Presents Leadership Award to Daniel G. Nelson

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - May 12, 2011) - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has presented its 2011 Excellence in Water Leadership Award to Daniel G. Nelson, executive director of the San Luis & Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

Nelson, who has led the organization since its creation 19 years ago, was recognized for his significant contributions to California water, including collaborating in the "Three-Way Process," which led to the signing of the Bay Delta Accord and the CALFED program; the Statement of Principles which laid the foundation for the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan; and the "get better together" philosophy, found in planning efforts statewide today.

"This award is ACWA's way of recognizing leadership and contributions that make a lasting difference in California water," ACWA President Paul Kelley said. "Dan Nelson truly embodies the spirit of building a world of difference. Over the course of his 34-year career in California water, he has built coalitions, inspired collaboration, advanced solutions in the Delta, and fought tirelessly for statewide water solutions.

"Dan's contributions to California water will be remembered for years to come, and we are pleased to present this award to such a deserving recipient," Kelley said.

The Excellence in Water Leadership Award - Building a World of Difference^® recognizes groups or individuals that have made a remarkable and visible contribution to California water. The award, sponsored by Black & Veatch Corporation, was presented on May 11 at the ACWA 2011 Spring Conference & Exhibition, which continues through Friday at the Sacramento Convention Center and surrounding hotels.

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.