BIOCOM and Surfrider Team up for a Public Forum on Water Recycling

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.

Founded in 1992, Surfrider Foundation’s San Diego chapter is the largest within the national Surfrider Foundation.  The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches for all people through conservation, activism, research and education.  San Diego chapter membership totals 5,000 people throughout the county.  Nationally, Surfrider Foundation membership includes more than 50,000 concerned lovers of the ocean and beaches.  More information can be found at www.surfridersd.org or by calling (858) 792-9940.

Media contacts:
Ken David, Surfrider Foundation, San Diego Chapter
(619) 987-4952; ken@surfridersd.org
Faith Picking, Public Policy Manager, BIOCOM
(858)455-0300; fpicking@biocom.org