Symposium to Focus on Water Resources

Water experts will converge on the Oxnard Hilton on Friday for a symposium titled “Diverging Water Interests: Striking a Balance” and sponsored by the county’s Assn. of Water Agencies.

The symposium will feature speakers from local water agencies, state resource officials, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, the agricultural sector and an environmental group.

“We try to present a program that brings out different and conflicting interests,” said Dana Weber Young, the association’s managing director. The symposium “does usually spark a debate among those attending,” she said.

Harry Seraydarian, director of EPA’s Water Management Division, will speak about that agency’s vision for California’s water supplies. Brad Shinn of the California Farm Water Coalition will discuss “Agriculture, How Much Water?” Otis Wollan, executive director of Public Officials for Water and Environmental Reforms, will discuss “How Will Water Transfers Restore the Environment and Solve Our Water Needs?”

Weber Young said the symposium presents an opportunity for county officials and residents with an interest in water to meet state and federal water regulators.

“We have some large agencies in this county, but the majority of them are small to medium size, and they just don’t get access to these people on a regular basis,” she said.

For information or to register by phone, call 654-3615.