The California Water Awareness Campaign is a year-long effort to increase public awareness of water and the role that water agencies and organizations play in conservation, management, water supply, water quality and distribution. The Campaign kick-off is usually scheduled during the month of May with a proclamation issued by the Governor.

In 1987, California was in the midst of a drought and the Campaign began with water conservation as its main theme. Since then, the theme has expanded to include the role that water plays in agriculture, industry, the environment, and daily life.

Co-sponsors of the Campaign include the California Water Association (1999 Chair), Association of California Water Agencies, California Farm Bureau Federation, California Department of Water Resources, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Each year the campaign develops and produces campaign materials that can be used by water agencies and companies in their educational and promotional programs. A school education kit is also developed and has become popular with educators throughout California. Water agencies throughout the state plan special activities in their local communities during May, including poster contests, fun runs and water facility tours.

The Campaign is entirely supported by contributions received from urban water suppliers and other interested parties, including the California Water Association. For more information about the campaign or Water Awareness Month, call the California Water Awareness Campaign at 916-325-2596 or e-mail campaign headquarters at cwac@acwanet.co