City Wins Water Conservation Challenge

A year ago on this date, the cities of Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach claimed the No. 1 and 2 spots in the 2011 National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation [an online competition held throughout April to encourage residents in all 50 states to conserve water, save energy and reduce pollution]. 

This year, Manhattan Beach is one of the 12 winning cities being honored by The Wyland Foundation and Toyota, who created the Challenge in honor of the 40th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the primary federal law protecting water resources in the United States. 

Laguna Beach is the only other California city to place in the top 12.

“We are honored to be one of the winners of this national award," said David Carmany, MB city manager. "The City of Manhattan Beach prides itself on being a pioneer and leader in green and sustainable living, including water conservation."

Newly installed Mayor Wayne Powell cited the city's past, ongoing and present environmental efforts. “From the City’s landmark plastic bag ban to converting the landscape surrounding the post office on 15th Street to a water-conserving, sustainable landscape, Manhattan Beach is proud to be a benchmark for other communities when it comes to conservation.”

Mayor Powell will speak about the award on KCAL 9 News at Noon on Tuesday, May 8.

In addition to Manhattan Beach and Laguna Beach, the other winning cities include Victoria, Minnesota; South Shore, Kentucky; Charlestown, New Hampshire; Eden Prairie, Minnesota; Fort Pierce, Florida; Quakertown, Pennsylvania; Greeley, Colorado; Madison, Wisconsin; Charlottesville, Virginia, and Toms River, New Jersey.

The Challenge divides cities into four regions; cities with the highest percentage of residents who make online pledges at www.mywaterpledge.com to reduce their water use are recognized as the winners.

Participants from the winning cities will now be entered into a drawing to win more than $50,000 in prizes, including the grand prize of a Toyota Prius c Hybrid, custom-designed sprinkler systems from Rain Bird, Eco-Flow Showerheads from WaterPik, water-saving toilets from STERLING Plumbing, and 1,000 gift cards for Lowe's Home Improvement Stores.

The Wyland Foundation was founded by renowned environmental artist Wyland.

Other organizations involved in the effort included the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water, U.S. Forest Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, WaterPik, Rain Bird, Lowe's, STERLING Plumbing, PADI and Project AWARE.

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