Water Experts, Resources Available for Journalists Covering Kyoto World Water Forum 3/13/2003
From: Andrew Hudson of the American Water Works Association, 303-734-3410 or ahudson@awwa.org DENVER, Colo., March 13 -- The American Water Works Association (AWWA) is encouraging journalists covering the Kyoto World Water Forum to utilize AWWA's information resources and expertise relating to all water related issues. Experts are available for media interviews and to provide vital and current information and analysis on water issues. AWWA has over 56,000 members worldwide and its 4,600 utility members serve 80 percent of America's population. Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe drinking water in North America. AWWA's members represent the full spectrum of the drinking water community: treatment plant operators and managers, environmental advocates, scientists, academicians, and others who hold a genuine interest in water supply and public health. Among the resources available to journalists are -- Water expertise and information -- Representing 56,000 members world wide, the AWWA is able to provide third-party expertise relating to any drinking water issue. AWWA experts can provide national and international context, information, research and fact sheets to address any issue relating to water including technology, environmental issues, costs of water, access to water and any other water related topic. AWWA's periodicals are a vital resource for current and reliable information and research on water issues relating to technology, trends, and news. AWWA also publishes hundreds of books, reports, manuals and standards guides and produces training and educational videos and electronic databases. -- AWWA website (http://www.awwa.org) -- The AWWA website provides access to one of the most comprehensive sources of information on the full spectrum of water issues. The site is designed to meet the growing demand for information on drinking water issues, including increasing security and drought concerns. The AWWA web site is a great resource for reporters, producers, editors and researchers who are looking for press releases, fact sheets, research and other information. The website provides up-to-date information on current legislative activities in Washington, DC as well as the recent research and activities of AWWA. The site highlights AWWA's extensive technical and scientific resources, including books, monthly periodicals, seminars, and conferences. A special site for teachers and young children is also available. -- Water Wiser (http://www.waterwiser.com) -- WaterWiser is the premier water efficiency and water conservation information resource. Operated by AWWA in cooperation with the US Bureau of Reclamation, WaterWiser is a free-standing web resource and clearinghouse for the most current, applicable water conservation and efficiency materials available and provides the best technical information possible on important drinking water issues. The WaterWiser website provides access and links to water information and resources throughout the world including special reports, books, educational materials, and information on products and services. -- Water for People (http://www.waterforpeople.org) -- Created by AWWA more than a decade a decade ago, Water for People has been assisting communities worldwide in projects about hygiene, fund raising, using local materials, selecting and electing coordinators and officials, and the value of collecting and evaluating data and information. WFP helps them implement simple, low-cost water pumps, tapstands, hand-washing stations, clothes-washing stations and latrines. WFP exports water-related expertise to Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa and the Middle East and Asia and the Pacific. WFP is the "Charity of Choice" of the American Water Works Association and over the years, has been endorsed by professional water institutions worldwide. At last summer's World Summit on Sustainable Development, in Johannesburg, South Africa, WFP was recognized in a special report for their pioneering efforts in urban Africa. The urban initiative, "Water For Africa", is a unique partnership between WFP and the USEPA formed in 2000. WFP sponsored a special water workshop in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, in December of 2002, for a group of nongovernmental organizations from neighboring countries to evaluate the progress, problems and paths forward for these urban water projects. Paul Sobiech, International Program Director for WFP, will participate at the World Water Forum in Kyoto. He will present as a panel member on "Ethical Dilemmas in Water Management and Use: A Global Perspective" to discuss cultural challenges and strategies in helping communities in developing countries provide access to clean drinking water and sanitation projects. This will be held March 19, 2003 from 12:30 p.m. - 3:15. p.m. (Kyoto time) at the Kyoto International Conference Hall. Contact: Nancy Haws, 303-734-3476 or nancy@waterforpeople.org |