Reclamation Lower Colorado Regional Director Bob Johnson will present the award to Ron Derma, Bard Water District Manager, at noon during a brief ceremony at Reclamation's Yuma Area Office, Conference Room 120, 7301 Calle Agua Salada, Yuma. Jim Cherry, Yuma Area Office Manager, and Ms. Evelyn Berryman, Bard Board President, will also participate.

"The Bard Water District has taken many steps to improve water management and conservation," Johnson said. "Through application of conservation measures and collaboration with a variety of partners, Bard has implemented system improvements and better management practices to enhance water distribution efficiencies within its irrigation distribution system."

The District has implemented a three-year water infrastructure upgrade project that will save an estimated 10,000 acre-feet of water annually. The upgrade includes measures such as concrete ditch lining, improved water control and flow measurement structures and devices, and a remote monitoring system.

"I commend Bard Water District for their significant contribution to improved water management efficiency," said Reclamation Commissioner John Keys III, "and congratulate them on their excellent stewardship of valuable water resources."

The Commissioner's Water Conservation Award recognizes outstanding accomplishments by Federal water users and partners in the areas of planning, demonstration, information/training, and implementation of water-use efficiency measures.