Contra Costa Water District wins prestigious communication award from ACWA

In California, on December 5, 2024, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) awarded the Huell Howser Excellence in Communication Award to Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) during the 2024 ACWA Fall Conference & Expo held in Palm Desert. The award recognized CCWD's impactful MadeWithCCWD campaign, which effectively highlighted the critical importance of water within the local community. This campaign achieved its objectives through community partnerships, targeted advertising, and careful management of ratepayer funds to ensure the provision of reliable and high-quality water service to residents. The MadeWithCCWD campaign was particularly notable for its strategic use of social media partnerships with seven businesses and organizations, showcasing diverse water uses for community benefit. ACWA President Cathy Green emphasized the necessity for water districts to engage and educate their customer base, especially in the context of supporting substantial investments in infrastructure that ensure long-term water reliability. Green noted that the campaign's timing and comprehensive outreach demonstrated how creative communication can effectively convey the rationale for rate increases to customers, an often sensitive topic in public utility services. In addition to CCWD, the prestigious award had three other finalists, each recognized for their innovative campaigns focusing on water management and conservation efforts. SCV Water was acknowledged for its campaign promoting water conservation in Santa Clarita Valley, while Western Municipal Water District garnered attention for its outreach efforts regarding well construction, ensuring community awareness about water quality standards. Likewise, Yuba Water District was recognized for its pilot program targeting water conservation through educational resources and distribution of conservation kits throughout Yuba County. The ACWA is a significant statewide association consisting of over 470 public agencies, collectively responsible for around 90% of California's water delivery. The recognition of CCWD's campaign not only highlights the effectiveness of community engagement in water management but also serves as a reminder of the importance of communication strategies in promoting conservation efforts and understanding among water service customers.