DENVER, CO, March 20, 2013 -- The Wyland Foundation's National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation is an annual contest focusing on reducing water and energy consumption by encouraging hundreds of cities across the U.S. to pledge (www.mywaterpledge.com) to the cause April 1-30, 2013. Cities with the highest percentage of residents who make the commitment are entered to win hundreds of environmentally-friendly prizes.
Leading engineering firm CH2M is a strong supporter of the contest and has partnered with the Wyland Foundation to promote resource conservation and the importance of sustainability up to and throughout Earth Month in April.
"We support the National Mayor’s Water Challenge for Water Conservation because it takes action by all of us -- individuals, organizations and government -- to create a more sustainable world," says Lee McIntire, CH2M HILL Chairman and CEO.
Founded by renowned marine artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation brings attention to the importance of healthy oceans and waterways, aligning with the global sustainability and environmental stewardship values that guide CH2M HILL’s business every day, and drove the company to create WaterMatch, a social network connecting water users. During the challenge, residents can earn points for their city by pledging to learn where their wastewater goes by visiting WaterMatch and searching the Matching Map. In addition, mayors can help their residents earn more prizes by making sure their local wastewater treatment facility’s information is on the WaterMatch map.
New to the challenge this year is the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, a 1,000-square foot interactive exhibit which demonstrates the ways water shapes human lives. The traveling exhibit features interactive models -- from an onboard running river to a 40-person theater with computer-controlled special effects -- to explore the nation's complex relationship with its water resources. Since early March the tour has been traveling across the U.S., visiting schools and community events.
The challenge is also supported by Toyota, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National League of Cities, Rain Bird Corporation, Lowe's Home Improvement stores and the U.S. Forest Service. For the first time, mayors and elected officials who participate in the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation can earn additional prizes for their residents if their cities win. A second prize drawing for a $1,000 Lowe's shopping spree will be held among all participants, regardless if a city is among the six winning cities. Last year, residents who participated in the challenge pledged to reduce their water use by 4.7 billion gallons.
"There is no city that managing water resources won't touch in the future," said artist Wyland. "These personal commitments and educational efforts are one piece of an important effort to save our waterways."
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