ANAHEIM, CA--(Marketwired - November 28, 2016) - California's most critical water issues will be explored in depth this week by local, state and federal water managers at the Association of California Water Agencies' 2016 Fall Conference & Exhibition, Nov. 29 - Dec. 2 at the Anaheim Marriott.

From cutting-edge research on precipitation forecasting to collaboration on climate change to Tesla's innovation in water management, the conference, themed "Bringing Water Together," will offer an array of programs, keynote addresses and panel discussions. Some of the topics explored will include safe drinking water for all communities, the importance of local water projects, the emerging framework for long-term urban water conservation policy, and engaging the next generation of water leaders.

Former Los Angeles Mayor and recently announced gubernatorial candidate Antonio Villaraigosa also is scheduled to speak at the Wednesday, Nov. 30 luncheon prior to the keynote address. Villaraigosa is expected to share his vision for California, which includes fixing aging infrastructure.

Keynote Speakers include:

• Dr. Martin Ralph, director of the Center for Weather and Water Extremes, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego, sharing insights on cutting-edge research that could improve short-term precipitation forecasting and operational decisions at key reservoirs. He will speak at the conference opening breakfast Wednesday, Nov. 30.
• Keith Coleman, chief strategy officer of the Tesla Foundation, providing perspective on how autonomous systems and aerial robotics may enable water management to innovate and develop new water sustainability platforms. Coleman will make his remarks at lunch on Wednesday, Nov. 30.
• California Air Resources Board Chair Mary D. Nichols discussing the collaboration occurring in times of changing climate 10 years after the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Nichols also will discuss cap-and-trade funding, renewable energy and the need to collaborate on forest management. She will speak at the luncheon on Thursday, Dec. 1.

Conference program details are available here.

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 430 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com.