California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) was honored last week with two communications awards from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) during its annual awards event on April 10. EMWD was recognized with Excellence in Public Information and Communications (EPIC) for its Water Tax Education and its Healthy Sewer campaign. EPIC awards are the top prize in each category.
“Communicating with and educating our customers is a top priority,” said EMWD Board President Ron Sullivan. “The EMWD Board is proud that the District has been recognized for its efforts to engage our communities and partners in understanding the services EMWD provides.”
EMWD earned its award “Dollar Stretcher” category for its Water Tax Education. The contentious water tax being proposed by Governor Gavin Newsom has mobilized many in the water community to reach out in an attempt to educate taxpayers on the proposed legislation and other options to fund the need for safe and reliable drinking water statewide. EMWD is among the statewide leaders in educating its customers on this issue and was recognized for its communications. CAPIO’s “Dollar Stretcher” category highlights creative local government communications activities completed with little or no funds.
In the “Communications/Marketing Plans, In-House, Large Population” category, EMWD’s Healthy Sewers campaign was initiated to educate customers about the importance of doing their part to maintain a healthy sewer system. The campaign highlighted how hazardous wastes can wreak havoc on a sewer system. The campaign clarified what should and should not be flushed down a toilet; how fats, oil and grease (FOG) should not go into the drain or garbage disposal; how flushing medications down the drain can compromise the sewer system as well as the damage that can occur from personal hygiene products being flushed down the drain.
EMWD has previously been honored by CAPIO as well as by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and by J.D. Power and Associates for its industry-leading communications efforts. The statewide CAPIO is a professional organization dedicated toward advancing public sector communications through training, education and advocacy work.
