For immediate release:  October 20, 2008

For more information:  Patty Friesen (925) 688-8194

CCWD Recognized For Excellence

Concord  -  The Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) has been awarded the Platinum Award for Utility Excellence from the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies (AMWA). The award is being presented at AMWA’s annual meeting in New Orleans today, and recognizes outstanding achievement in implementing the nationally recognized Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities.

            “I am proud of the District’s receiving this recognition as an effectively managed utility,” said CCWD General Manager, Walter J. Bishop. “CCWD’s Board of Directors and employees have worked hard to earn our reputation as a customer and results oriented organization providing leadership on state and national water issues.” CCWD was specifically recognized for its role in current California and federal processes to address issues in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, providing expertise in identifying projects that must be implemented immediately, as well as long-term strategies for Delta sustainability.

            The 2008 award winning water agencies are industry pace-setters, and exemplify water systems where leadership, vision, and employee commitment create utilities to sustain their local communities. These water agencies have implemented a full range of successful initiatives that address all of the industry-recognized attributes of effectively managed utilities. The Attributes of Effectively Managed Utilities include: product quality, customer satisfaction, employee and leadership development, operational optimization, financial viability, infrastructure stability, operational resiliency, community sustainability, water resource adequacy, and stakeholder understanding and support. CCWD was acknowledged for being actively involved in water industry research and regulation development, providing leadership to strengthen the industry as a whole.

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