Montrose, CO – Mayor Roy Anderson is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make a long-term commitment to manage water resources more wisely by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Residents can win $3,000 toward their home utility payments, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes.
The annual challenge, April 1 through 30, is a non-profit national community service campaign to see which leaders can best inspire their residents to take informative, online pledges at www.mywaterpledge.com to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and save energy.
Last year, the City of Montrose finished 21st in the country out of all of the communities participating in the water challenge.
“It was wonderful to see Montrose finish 21st in the country for our efforts last year,” Anderson said. “As a community, we should be proud of this achievement, and this effort shows other communities across the country and Colorado, that Montrose is a leader in helping our residents become more water conscious. Residents participating this year have a great opportunity to learn more about water conservation while earning some great prizes."
Last year, residents from over 3,800 cities in all 50 U.S. states pledged to reduce their annual consumption of freshwater by three 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.
Anderson described water as one of the Uncompahgre Valley’s most precious resources. Having the valley's residents aware of and engaged with better water conservation practices will help everyone, including future generations.
“Following last year’s drought, we have enjoyed a much better winter, and the snowpack on the mountains is a testament to this. Even though the snowpack is high and the prospect of a good water year is evident, we must remain vigilant in working as a community to protect our water,” Anderson added.
Cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category can win the challenge. Residents can 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. Students and teachers are encouraged to take part as well.
The Challenge features additional resources for residents to take their commitment of conservation even further, from regional water and energy resource issues to cost-saving tips at home.
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 oceans, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through community events, education programs, and public art projects. www.wylandfoundation.org.
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