surfrider foundation

San Diego, CA, September 15, 2008 – Community leaders, business
groups, environmental organizations, and the general public will come
together for the Suits and Surfers: An Uncommon Alliance for a Common
Goal forum on September 24, 2008 at 5:30 PM at BIOCOM to discuss water
recycling and its expanded use in San Diego.  Speakers include Philip
L. Anthony, Director of the Orange County Water District, Mike Markus,
General Manager of the Orange County Water District, and Jeff Mosher,
Executive Director of the National Water Research Institute.

The forum is intended to educate the public on the issue of water
recycling and create a dialogue between the public and decision-makers
about this important issue.  "This is a long overdue opportunity for
all citizens of San Diego to educate themselves on all forms of
recycled water.  It gives us a chance to ask questions of and learn
from the individuals who are world leaders in utilizing this
technology in an unbiased and open conversation.  Education is a core
component of Surfrider's mission, and this gathering will provide the
opportunity for citizens to educate themselves on our current and
future water sources," said Jared Criscuolo, local Campaign Manager
for Surfrider's Integrated Water Campaign.

San Diego is in a water crisis as supplies are cut from northern
California and the Colorado River.  Finding affordable, reliable, and
drought-proof options to supplement the City's water supply portfolio
is critical to the vitality of the region.  The forum is sponsored by
BIOCOM, the San Diego Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, and the San
Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.    Recycled water is wastewater
that has been treated to a level to where it can be reused, typically
for irrigation purposes. Through the process of Indirect Potable
Reuse, recycled water can also be utilized as a safe, healthy source
of drinking water.  It has been proposed as a cost-effective,
reliable, and environmentally sustainable way to help provide water to
the residents of San Diego.

BIOCOM is the largest regional life science association in the world,
representing more than 570 member companies in Southern California.
The association focuses on initiatives that position the region's life
science industry competitively on the world stage, and on the
development and delivery of innovative products that improve health
and quality of life. This includes initiatives in capital formation,
public policy, workforce development, and member services.

The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing
broad based economic value for its members and the international
region.