SACRAMENTO, CA, Sept. 1, 2015 -- During a presentation at the State Water Resources Control Board today, the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) highlighted some examples of innovative water conservation campaigns that local water districts throughout the state are carrying out to encourage customers to conserve water during the ongoing drought.
From public service announcements featuring San Francisco Giants Pitcher Sergio Romo (see related story) to home-grown videos showcasing gnomes or local water district staff, water suppliers all over the state are creating engaging messages to help their customers save water to meet state-mandated conservation targets.
ACWA presented a video compilation (here) of the conservation ads -- some of which have been disseminated in several languages -- during the State Water Board meeting and also highlighted a new interactive Drought Response Gallery (here) that showcases local outreach programs on a Pinterest-style bulletin board.
"Local water agencies have stepped up in a huge way this year with unprecedented media campaigns, community partnerships, expanded rebates, and an array of new outreach strategies," said ACWA Deputy Executive Director for External Affairs and Operations Jennifer Persike, who made the presentation before the State Water Board.
"These efforts clearly are making a difference," she continued. "The state as a whole is exceeding the governor's call for a 25-percent across-the-board reduction in urban water use. "We are pleased to showcase the new and creative ways local water agencies continue to help Californians save water every day."
Persike noted that local programs tend to reflect their local communities, with activities ranging from paid advertising to mobile apps to town hall meetings and school assemblies. "The creativity and out-of-the-box thinking is really on display this summer," she said.
ACWA's Drought Response Gallery features scores of #DroughtBusters profiles or "cards" that describe agencies' conservation and outreach efforts. Visitors can sort the cards by program or region or click the "more" button on each individual card to see a checklist of programs and actions implemented by the featured agency.
See also:
"CA investor-owned water utilities stepping up as 'conservation leaders'"
"CA's 'Save Our Water' program launches new public education campaign"
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