ACWA Presents Leadership Award to Two Recipients -- John Rossi and Marsi Steirer

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - May 8, 2013) - The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) presented its 2013 Excellence in Water Leadership Award today to two recipients -- John Rossi, Western Municipal Water District General Manager and Marsi Steirer, deputy director for long-range planning and water resources for the City of San Diego's Public Utilities Department.

Rossi has been a leader in securing safe and reliable water supplies for the Inland Empire and Southern California region, enhancing water rights and tripling the capacity of the district's recycling facilities. He also has been a tireless advocate for investments in water use efficiency and green technology, and for curbing costs for ratepayers.

Striving to ensure that San Diegans have pure drinking water for years to come has been the primary goal of Steirer's 25-year career. She has steadfastly led a team engaged in developing water resources planning, water recycling, groundwater development, watershed management and potable reuse through the city's Water Purification Demonstration project.

"This award is ACWA's way of recognizing leadership and contributions that make a lasting difference in California water," said ACWA President Randy Record. "John Rossi and Marsi Steirer truly embody the spirit of building a world of difference. Their contributions to California water will be remembered for years to come, and we are pleased to present this award to two such deserving recipients."

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 2013 Spring Conference & Exhibition, which continues through Friday at the Sacramento Convention Center.

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.