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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2023
National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation, April 1-30
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind (Thursday, March 9, 2023) - John R. Dennis, Mayor of the City of West Lafayette, is joining mayors across the country who are asking residents to make a long-term commitment to reduce pollution and manage water resources more wisely. In return residents can win over $50,000 in eco-friendly prizes, including $3,000 toward their Home Utility Payments, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes. Plus, this year students from thousands of schools across the county can make water conservation commitments that directly support their city's standings.
The annual non-profit national community service campaign encourages leaders to inspire their residents, between April 1-30, to commit to making small changes at mywaterpledge.com to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and save energy. The program was started ten years ago by a handful of mayors who were looking for alternative ways to engage their residents more deeply about the coming water challenges in the United States.
John Dennis, West Lafayette Mayor, says, "We only have one Earth and 70% of it is covered by water, but only a tiny amount of that is drinkable. The citizens of West Lafayette know how important it is to conserve both water and energy in our community. So, I am asking you all to please help spread the word by joining me in taking the pledge this April. Let's continue to do our part for a better place to live."
Last year, residents from over 2,000 cities in all 50 U.S. states pledged to reduce their annual consumption of freshwater by over 1 billion gallons, reduce waste sent to landfills by 35 million pounds, and preventing nearly one hundred thousand pounds of hazardous waste from entering our watersheds. The Challenge goes beyond short term issues and looks at the ways our water use will affect the future of our communities - from how we manage our coasts, lakes, and rivers to reducing polluted runoff.
"Taking the pledge online is easy. Pick from the list: fixing leaky faucets and toilets, reducing water usage, or making better choices for recycling. Everyone can help!" Dave Henderson, Utility Director for the City of West Lafayette.
To participate, residents should go to [LINK] mywaterpledge.com, and then make a series of online pledges to conserve water on behalf of West Lafayette. 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 in their population category there is a chance to win $3,000 towards their Home Utility Bills, and hundreds more eco-friendly prizes including Toro Irrigation Smart Controllers, gift cards for Hobie Surf Shops, and more. In addition, one school from each winning city will receive 100 pairs of Zenni Remakes™ eyeglasses that help reduce damage to eyes from prolonged exposure to blue light. Each pair is made from the recycled plastics equal to three discarded single use plastic water bottles.
Participating residents are also encouraged to use a custom created digital tool called MyVolunteer Water Project, in support of the program, that gives residents a unique way to do hands-on home, community, and workplace projects year-round in support of their city's sustainability efforts. The more projects' residents do throughout the year, the better chance a city wins the mayor's challenge in April.
The National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation is presented by the Wyland Foundation, with support from the U.S. EPA WaterSense, The Toro Company, Zenni Optical, and the National League of Cities.
About the Wyland Foundation
Founded in 1993, the Wyland Foundation is 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. [LINK] www.wylandfoundation.org
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Jenifer Van Schuyver
Deputy Director of Development
jvanschuyver@westlafayette.in.gov
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