IRVINE, Calif. — The 2015 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation begins April 1 and lasts until April 30, according to a press release.
The challenge is presented nationally by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Water, U.S. Forest Service, Bytelaunch, National League of Cities, Wondergrove Kids, The Toro Company and WaterSmart Software, stated the release.
With at least 36 states facing water shortages this year, mayors and officials across the country will be asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water, save energy and reduce pollution by taking part in the challenge, which aims to significantly reduce water and energy use across the U.S., continued the release.
Residents who participate in the 30-day 2015 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, reported the release, can win hundreds of prizes, including water-saving fixtures and a new Toyota Prius Plug-In.
Last year, residents from more than 3,600 cities across the U.S. pledged to decrease their annual fresh water consumption by more than one billion gallons, prevent over 70 million pounds of hazardous waste from entering watersheds, reduce waste sent to landfills by 36 million pounds and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 5.3 billion pounds, added the release.
“Whether it’s drought conditions in the West or the high costs of energy related to water use in the East, saving water has become one of the most important issues facing the nation today,” said Wyland, marine and conservation artist and president of the Wyland Foundation.
To participate in the 2015 National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, residents enter their city’s name at www.mywaterpledge.com and, on behalf of their city, make a series of online pledges to conserve water, noted the release.
