SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 2, 1999--

The Association of California Water Agencies released a report this week summarizing the delicate state of California's shrinking water supply during ACWA's biannual conference in San Diego.

Titled "California's Looming Water Crisis: A Status Report," the document provides a compelling overview of the state's water picture in 24 pages of text, charts and color photos.

"Our water supplies have reached a point of profound vulnerability in the event of an even remotely dry year," said Stephen K. Hall, ACWA's executive director. "We need new water supplies because competing water priorities have taken out almost all of the flexibility, reliability and surplus from California's water supply system."

According to the report, 1.4 million acre-feet has been lost to the system and will not be available when the next drought comes.

"Federal regulatory actions are now creating shortages, even during this year -- a fifth straight wet year," Hall said. Hall added that we now have an opportunity to change course and ensure an adequate water supply for both our environment and our economy. "Key decisions need to be made next year, including the successful adoption of the Proposition 13 water bond, as well as a balanced plan from the CALFED program for restoring the Bay-Delta."

The report is available in PDF format on the front page of ACWA's website at www.acwanet.com. A color copy can also be mailed to interested parties who contact ACWA's Sacramento headquarters at 916/441-4545.

ACWA is a statewide organization whose 440 members are responsible for about 90 percent of the water delivered in California.