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Neighbor News

ACWD Earns Statewide Recognition for Public Outreach and Community Engagement

Alameda County Water District receives awards from the California Association of Public Information Officials

ACWD Public Affairs Division staff accepted multiple honors at the 2026 CAPIO Annual Conference, recognizing the District’s outstanding public outreach and community engagement efforts.
ACWD Public Affairs Division staff accepted multiple honors at the 2026 CAPIO Annual Conference, recognizing the District’s outstanding public outreach and community engagement efforts. (Brant Bender Photography)

FREMONT, Calif. — The Alameda County Water District (ACWD) received three prestigious honors, including an EPIC Award, from the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) during the 2026 CAPIO Annual Conference in San Diego, recognizing the District’s innovative and impactful community outreach efforts.

ACWD earned the EPIC Award in the “Graphic Design – Print” category for its community event “Pints and Plants – An Evening in the Garden” promoting water awareness in recognition of the national Imagine a Day Without Water campaign. The event also received a CAPIO Award of Distinction in the “Special or Community Event – One-Time (In-House)” category.

The District additionally received top honors in the “Most Innovative Communications” category for integrating pet-focused messaging into local water emergency preparedness outreach efforts.

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“These awards reflect ACWD’s commitment to engaging our community in meaningful, creative, and accessible ways,” said ACWD General Manager, Ed Stevenson. “Whether through community events or innovative preparedness messaging, our goal is to create outreach and programs that resonate with our customers, strengthen our connection with the community, and give our customers the tools and information they expect from us.”

The California Association of Public Information Officials is the leading statewide organization dedicated to advancing public sector communicators across all levels of government.

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Through award-winning outreach programs and public education initiatives, Alameda County Water District continues to promote water awareness, conservation, emergency preparedness, and community connection throughout the Tri-City area.

Since 1914, the Alameda County Water District has supplied water to the residents and businesses of southern Alameda County. ACWD supplies drinking water to the 348,000 people living in the cities of Fremont, Newark, and Union City. For more information, please visit www.acwd.org.

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