National Association of Water Companies Announced as Presenting Sponsor of Water For People Gala to Honor Women in Water

Event affirms water is a women's issue and will recognize worldwide actions of women in water

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) today was announced as presenting sponsor of the inaugural Water For People Gala to Honor Women in Water. The charity event will be held in Washington, D.C. on Monday, June 13, at the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

"Water is more than a vocation to our members and to the leaders and volunteers of Water For People – it's a calling. But for the women living in villages without access to the same quality water and sanitation systems that we have in the U.S., carrying water instead of books is a sacrifice that could mean survival," said Michael Deane, NAWC Executive Director. "NAWC is proud to sponsor the Washington, D.C. Water For People Committee's first Women in Water Gala. We believe that investing in the bright futures of so many women will pay dividends for future generations."

The Water For People Gala to Honor Women in Water will bring together humanitarians, utility managers, industry leaders and the nation's policy-makers who are on the forefront of making a positive impact on global water issues to recognize the accomplishments of women in water from around the world – from the women who carry water from remote sources in the 11 developing countries that Water For People serves, to the women designing and operating sustainable water systems. Women like Elisa Speranza, president of the board of Water For People and president of CH2M HILL's Operations & Maintenance Business Group, a private company that partners with municipal water systems across the country.  

"As Earth Day draws near, we're all reminded of the world's inter-connectedness, and how much we all depend on natural resources like water no matter where we live," said Speranza. "At Water For People, we're working with groups like NAWC to make sure EVERYONE—every household, every school, every clinic—has access to clean water and adequate sanitation. We know we've succeeded when healthy girls are smiling and carrying books to school instead of carrying water."

Please visit http://www.waterforpeopledc.org/womeninwatergala.html to purchase tickets.

About NAWC

The National Association of Water Companies (NAWC) represents all aspects of the private water service industry. Our mission is to promote the value of the private sector as the provider of quality and sustainable water services and innovative solutions. To learn more about NAWC, visit www.NAWC.org or follow us on Twitter @MovinH2OForward .

About Water For People – Washington, D.C.

The Washington, D.C. Water For People Committee is one of 56 committees helping Water For People improve quality of life in developing countries by supporting the development of locally-sustainable drinking water resources, sanitation facilities and hygiene education programs. To learn about Water For People's D.C. Committee, visit http://www.waterforpeopledc.org.  

SOURCE National Association of Water Companies