American Water Works Association Membership Reaches All-Time High; Annual Conference and Exposition to be Held Next Week in Anaheim

6/11/2003

From: Andrew Hudson, 303-734-3410, e-mail: ahudson@awwa.org, or Sabrina McKenzie, 303-347-6140, e-mail: smckenzie@awwa.org, both of the American Water Works Association; web: http://www.awwa.org

DENVER, June 11 -- The largest organization of water professionals in the world just got larger. Membership in the American Water Works Association (AWWA) has reached 57,332 members, an all time high according to AWWA.

AWWA officials announced the membership surge the week prior to its 2003 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE). The annual event will be held at the Anaheim, Calif., Convention Center June 15-19.

"This is an exciting and challenging time for the water profession," Jack Hoffbuhr, executive director of AWWA said. "For 122 years, AWWA has been the authoritative resource for the drinking water profession. The fact that membership in AWWA is at an historic high and continues to grow is a reflection of the commitment and dedication AWWA has to the water profession and its mission to providing clean drinking water to the public.

"Our growing membership is also directly related to the wide variety of professional development and training activities we offer to water professionals as well as our advocacy in Washington relating to legislation and regulations impacting water utilities. In addition, our publications and research provide AWWA's membership with the most current data and information about drinking water trends, products, issues and research. Members clearly recognize the tremendous value of being a part of AWWA."

Established in 1881, AWWA is the oldest and largest nonprofit scientific and educational organization dedicated to safe drinking water in North America.

For more information on AWWA, go to http://www.awwa.org.

-- AWWA Annual Conference and Exhibition to be held in Anaheim next week

With a focus on new trends, research and topical water-related issues impacting communities throughout the country, AWWA will hold its 2003 Annual Conference and Exposition (ACE) at the Anaheim, California Convention Center next week, June 15-19, 2003.

AWWA's five-day conference and four-day exposition will feature national water experts at more than 70 sessions and 13 pre-conference workshops. Issues include drought and water supply, water quality and protection, homeland security, technology, infrastructure management, legislative and regulatory challenges. Additionally, over 500 exhibitors will demonstrate the latest innovations and technology in the drinking water profession. For more information, go to http://www.awwa.org/ace2003/

"Drinking water quality, quantity, and security are more important than ever," said Hoffbuhr, "The collective knowledge and experience found at this conference provides water professionals with the information and tools needed to meet new challenges and continue to protect public health and effectively manage our priceless water resources."