ICMA is a 2015 sponsor of the Wyland Foundation's Annual National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation. Now in its fourth year, and held each year during Earth Month (April 1-30), the challenge encourages residents in municipalities throughout the United States to commit to the conservation of water, energy, and other natural resources by taking an online My Water Pledge. The nonprofit campaign is presented nationally by Toyota and the Wyland Foundation, in association with the National League of Cities; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water; the U.S. Forest Service; the Toro Company; Bytelaunch, Inc.; Wondergrove Kids; and mayors, other city officials, and water agencies across the country.

Residents from communities with the highest levels of participants will be recognized with more than $50,000 in eco-friendly prizes, including a Toyota Prius v, water-saving home products, and home improvement store gift cards.

To get started, local officials should visit the National Mayor’s Challenge webpage and complete the form on the right to indicate support for the program and to obtain additional information, promotional materials, and ideas for making the challenge a success in their community. Once a municipality has been signed up, residents can

• Go to www.mywaterpledge.com.
• Take a four-step conservation pledge on behalf of the city.
• Monitor their municipality’s current standing against other communities.
• Encourage other residents to participate.

In 2014, the challenge awarded more than $50,000 in prizes to nearly 1,000 residents in U.S. communities. More importantly, participants gained knowledge about the enormous impact they can have on their community by taking simple actions to save water and energy.

About the Wyland Foundation
Founded by environmental artist Robert Wyland, the Wyland Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events.