BILL NUMBER: ACR 20	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Huffman

                        FEBRUARY 16, 2011

   Relative to Water Awareness Month.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   ACR 20, as introduced, Huffman. Water Awareness Month.
   This measure would designate May 2011 as Water Awareness Month,
and would urge Californians to learn effective ways to conserve
water.
   Fiscal committee: no.



   WHEREAS, In recognition of the vital role that water plays in the
lives of the people, animals, ecosystems, and economy of the State of
California, the month of May has been designated Water Awareness
Month in the State of California; and
   WHEREAS, The California Constitution states that the conservation
of the waters of the state is to be exercised in the interest of the
people and the public welfare, and with population growth and climate
changes, the need is greater than ever to use water wisely and
practice water conservation; and
   WHEREAS, Originated during California's drought years of 1987 to
1992, Water Awareness Month was established with the goal to help
educate consumers about using water resources efficiently, but water
awareness is needed in all types of water years; and
   WHEREAS, The month of May was selected because it is typically the
time when warm weather approaches and, with it, increased water use;
and
   WHEREAS, Water conservation is the most cost-effective and
environmentally sound way to reduce the state's demand for water, and
using less water also puts less pressure on our water treatment
facilities and uses less energy for moving and heating water; and
   WHEREAS, According to the California Energy Commission, as
recognized in the California Water Plan Update, end use of water is
the most energy intensive portion of the water use cycle in
California, and measures to increase the use efficiency and reuse
will reduce electricity demand from the water sector and, in turn,
may reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
   WHEREAS, Efficient water use can also help California's
communities cope with reduced water supply reliability that may be
induced by climate change, thus reducing economic and environmental
impacts of water scarcity; and
   WHEREAS, Senate Bill No. 7 of the 2009-10 Seventh Extraordinary
Session created a statewide framework for future planning and actions
to reduce the state's water use, requiring urban water agencies to
reduce per capita water usage by the year 2020; now, therefore, be it

   Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate
thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby designates May 2011
as Water Awareness Month, and urges the citizens of California,
homeowners, businesses, farms, ranches, and governmental and
nongovernmental entities to learn the many effective ways to conserve
water.