Is your city's mayor ready for a challenge?
Throughout the month of April, civic leaders across the country are encouraged to step up and inspire their residents to join the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. The competition, which honors the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, is focused on individual pledges to reduce water and energy consumption.
The cities -- divided geographically and by population -- with the highest percentage of residents who have signed the water pledge will win. According to a press release, pledge participants in the winning cities will be eligible to win a number of prizes, including a Toyota Prius, water-saving household appliances and Lowe's gift cards.
Several large cities have already pledged their support for the water conservation challenge, including the mayors of Los Angeles, Denver, Tucson, Miami Beach and Honolulu. Smaller cities like Corona, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach, California have also joined the initiative.
The water conservation challenge, which is sponsored by the Wyland Foundation, has received support from the U.S. EPA, the U.S. Forest Service, NOAA, renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle and numerous companies.
Wyland, an artist known for his marine life murals, said in a press release, "The mayor's challenge gives communities a way to come together for one very important reason -- the future of our planet. We see mayors making gentleman's bets over who will win college football games. Here's a way for them to take on an even more important challenge in a friendly, competitive way."
With access to clean water still a struggle for 11 percent of the world's population, water conservation remains an important issue. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, "each person [in the U.S.] uses about 80-100 gallons of water per day."
Authorities in the UK recently announced a ban on garden hoses for washing cars and watering plants after two dry winters failed to replenish rivers and reservoirs. Flushing toilets less frequently and reducing meat consumption can also help to reduce water use. Click here for more information and to learn about other ways you can conserve.
For more about the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, visit the challenge's website or call (949) 643-7070.