On World Water Day, Mayor, Water Authority Challenge ABQ to Commit to Water Conservation
March 26, 2019
Mayor Tim Keller is joining mayors across the country in asking Albuquerque residents to renew their long-term commitment to wise water resource management by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. In return residents can win $3,000 toward their home utility payments, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes. Plus, one lucky charity from a winning city will receive a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to serve the community.
The annual challenge, April 1- 30, is a national community service campaign to inspire their residents to make a series of simple pledges at mywaterpledge.com to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and save energy. To participate, residents go to mywaterpledge.com, and then make a series of online pledges to use water efficiently on behalf of Albuquerque.
“Water efficiency happens when we all step up and do our part,” said Mayor Keller. “Albuquerque has cut its per capita water use in half since the mid-1990s even as the population continued to grow. I challenge our citizens to continue to lead in water conservation by taking the Mayor’s Challenge. Let’s show our commitment to remaining at the head of the pack when it comes to sustainability in the way we use water.”
For most people, the greatest potential water savings can be found outdoors in their yards and gardens. For conservation tips and information on irrigation efficiency consultations, visit the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s website at www.abcwua.org, or the utility’s yard and gardening website, www.505Outside.com.
“The Water Authority has a number of great programs in place to help you save water outdoors, and I urge everyone to take advantage of these resources,” Keller added.
Last year, residents from over 3,800 cities in all 50 U.S. states pledged to reduce their annual consumption of freshwater by 3 billion gallons, reduce waste sent to landfills by 79.9 million pounds, and prevent more than 177,000 pounds of hazardous waste from entering our watersheds. The Challenge goes beyond recent drought issues and looks at the ways our water use will affect the future of our communities — from how we grow food to reducing polluted runoff.
Cities compete in the following population categories: 5,000- 29,999 residents, 30,000-99,999 residents, 100,000-299,999 residents, 300,000-599,999 residents, and 600,000+ residents. Cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge have a chance to win $3,000 toward their Home Utility Bills, and hundreds more eco-friendly prizes including Toro Irrigation Smart Controllers, ECOS home cleaning products, and home water fixture retrofits from EcoSystems Inc. In addition, residents can nominate a deserving charity from their city to receive a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
The 8th National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is presented by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, with support from the U.S EPA WaterSense, The Toro Company, National League of Cities, Conserva Irrigation, EcoSystems Inc., and Earth Friendly Products (makers of ECOS).
About the Wyland Foundation:
Founded in 1993 by environmental artist Wyland (best known for his series of 100 monumental marine life murals), the Wyland Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through community events, education programs, and public art projects.
http://www.wylandfoundation.org/