California is still facing a water crisis, according to some top water experts who were in Antioch today. They say the city is taking a lead role in showing how communities can greatly conserve water supplies.

The director of the California Department of Water Resources, Mark Cowin took part in the dedication of the Antioch Recycle Water Distribution System—a system that uses six miles of underground pipeline to irrigate parks, the golf course and medians with recycled water. He says this project is necessary because California is in the midst of a water crisis.

“The sooner we all realize that and begin to do our part, the better,” he said.

Cowin says the city of Antioch is doing its part through this $12 million project that significantly reduces dependence on Delta water supplies. Congressman George Miller, an expert on California water issues, says the innovative spirit of California can be felt here.

Miller says as the population increases in the state, more communities like Antioch will have to devise plans for using and re-using water more efficiently.