NewsLeak

Tucson has won first place in its category in the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. The competition between cities to conserve water across the United States ended April 20. Cities were broken up into five categories based on population size.

“We are a water-conscious community and I’m glad we’re receiving national recognition for that,” said Mayor Jonathan Rothschild, who held a media conference May 7.

The Wyland Foundation said Tucson was motivated to win the competition and those living in the community appeared to be well-informed about the impact of water usage. Tucson Water Director Alan Forrest attributed the utility’s leadership to the community’s activeness regarding water conservation.

“This is evidenced by the participation of residents pledging for Tucson in the challenge,” Forrest added.

Now that the competition is complete among the cities, the winners from each category are eligible for prizes including a new Toyota Prius. Also in Tucson’s category was Corpus Christi, Texas, Miami, Atlanta, Las Vegas and Long Beach, California. Tucson was the only city in Arizona to be listed in any of the top 10 categories.

Brownsville, Texas, will initiate a voluntary water conservation program on May 1 as part of the city’s drought contingency plan. The efforts are the first stage of the plan that was approved by the city commission in 2006, according to the Brownsville Herald.

The plan asks residents in the city to voluntarily conserve water and limit their car washing and gardening through the end of the summer. Stage 1 of the plan automatically goes into effect on May 1 of every year; however, in 2013, more are seeking water supply as a result of drought.

“The Valley’s demand for water is very high right now,” said Brownsville Public Utilities Board spokesman Ryan Greensfield. “Because of the drought, the reservoirs aren’t refilling like they normally would.”

The future success of these measures depends highly on the supply and demand of water. This year’s low amount is limiting citizens in several ways. As a result of drought, residents are encouraged to only water their lawns twice a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., the Herald reported. The utilities board is also suggesting citizens use watering techniques that do not waste water or produce excess runoff.

Residents in Brownsville are encouraged to water their lawns during the overnight hours. The soil is better able to absorb moisture overnight and since it’s much cooler during the night there is a lesser chance of water evaporating from heat. Greensfield told the Herald the board is hoping residents will implement smarter irrigation techniques.

“What we’re really trying to impress on our customers is people need to think water smart,” Greensfield added. “We want to be sure we maximize our water usage in everything we do.”

The public utilities board in Brownsville hopes citizens will save water year-round – not just during a drought. This can be done by checking for leaks and not leaving water running unnecessarily.

Highland Park, Illinois, will start its water conservation initiative on May 1 after receiving city council approval. The city said water waste reduction measures include a number of new details that will be included once the plan is implemented.

These measures include a tiered-rate plan effective for all residents beginning July 1, odd and even sprinkling restrictions, smart sensor installations on new lawn sprinkling systems effective May 1 and public education on water conservation and efficiency.

Properties with residents using higher volumes may experience an increase in water rates as a result of the three-tiered plan; however, most will not see an increase in their water bills, according to the city.

Sprinkling restrictions for those living in Highland Park go into effect May 15 and will last until September 15 of every calendar year. One of these restrictions include the prohibition of law irrigation and watering use between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Another restriction includes the odd and even numbering system. Residents with an odd-numbered house number can initiate sprinklers on odd​-numbered days and those living in homes with an even number may use sprinklers on even-numbered days.

The city’s installation of smart sensors will also prevent sprinklers from turning on when it’s raining or during other events where there is precipitation. Beginning May 1, any new irrigation system installed on a residents’ property is required to have equipment with water-based sensors.

There are several ways you can try to conserve water. By saving water you’re not only reducing your cost of a high water bill, but helping to prevent the environmental waste. If you’re thinking about how you can help reduce wasting water and conserve more, consider these tips:

1. Monitor your water bill
If you know what your water bill averages each month, then you’ll be able to tell when you might have a leak. Extremely high water bills will prompt you call someone and get it checked out.

2. Check for leaks
By checking your toilet, sinks and pipes for leaks, you’ll know to fix it long before it starts causing major plumbing problems. You’ll also be able to prevent wasting water by containing the leak and finding a solution before it gets too out of control.

3. Cover your pool
When you install a cover, your pool or spa you can save water from falling out. This can keep you from refilling your pool or adding water to keep levels where they’re supposed to be. You should also check pools and spas for leaks so you know you aren’t wasting water that way either.

4. Replace your shower head
You use a lot of water while you’re showering each day. If your idea of relaxing is taking a really long, hot shower then consider replacing your shower head with a more water-efficient model. Water conservation can also be made if you take shorter showers.

As part of the second annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, District of Columbia mayor Vincent Gray, along with mayors from across the country, are encouraging residents to conserve water.

Residents from 1,000 cities pledged to save 4.7 billion gallons of water and reduce the use of plastic water bottles by 1.1 million in 2012, according to The Washington Post.

The goal of the challenge is to reduce water usage as well as increase awareness of the importance of reducing waste from plastic bottles and excess run-off.

“There has never been a more important time to make a commitment to conserving water in the District of Columbia and across the country,” said Mayor Gray. “I proudly stand with the Wyland Foundation, Toyota and mayors from across the country to urge residents to conserve this important natural resource and build a more sustainable future.”

Other participating mayors include Michael Coleman of Columbus, Ohio, David Cross from Santa Fe, Texas, Michael Hancock of Denver, Colorado, Mike McGinn from Seattle, Washington, Atlanta’s Mayor Kasim Reed and Jonathan Rothschild of Tucson, Arizona, Kansas City CBS affiliate KCTV reported.

The challenge ends April 30 and cities with the highest percentage of participants can receive environmentally friendly prizes such as water-saving fixtures, gift certificates to Lowe’s stores and even a Toyota Prius.