San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran has joined mayors nationwide who are asking residents, businesses and schools to pledge to save water by taking part in the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation.
The Wyland Mayor’s Challenge is a friendly competition among cities to gather the most pledges indicating the most “water-wise” places in the United States. The campaign runs through the entirety of April and encourages participants to commit to doing simple, everyday things to use water efficiently.
“Water is one of San Bernardino’s most vital resources and we all must do our part to protect it,” Tran said in a statement Monday, “By taking the pledge, our residents can show their commitment to sustainability and help San Bernardino become one of the most water-wise cities in the country.”
Water-wise pledges include promises to spend less time in the shower, agreeing to turn off the tap when brushing teeth and fixing slow leaks from faucets and pipes around the house.
This is the second year that Tran has joined with the San Bernardino Municipal Water Department to ask residents “to step up and make a difference in their water use,” according to a city statement.
Residents who participate in the challenge contribute to environmental sustainability and also have an opportunity to win hundreds of eco-friendly prizes, including $3,000 for utility bills. Schools in top-ranking towns will also receive cash prizes to pay for education supplies and 100 pairs of Zenni Remakes blue-light-reducing eyeglasses.
To participate in the water conservation competition, enter online at mywaterpledge.com and make a pledge on behalf of San Bernardino. More information on the city’s water conservation programs and tips for saving water, visit sbmwd.org/conservation.
The city’s water department serves more than 200,000 people in a 45-square-mile area of San Bernardino and surrounding communities. The department also provides water reclamation services for San Bernardino and Loma Linda and sewer collection services for San Bernardino.
The Wyland Foundation is a nonprofit organization that aims to promote, protect and preserve the world’s oceans, waterways and marine life, according to the city statement. The foundation advocates for environmental awareness via community events, education initiatives and public art projects. More information is at wylandfoundation.org.
City offers free water tracking, leak detection devices
The Municipal Water Department is offering customers free Flume water tracking and leak detection devices, the city announced Tuesday.
The water monitors can help residents track water use, establish usage goals and receive leak alerts. Officials said a limited number of free devices are available to water department customers who have wireless internet service.
The Flume device’s installation is easy and takes about 10 minutes, officials said. It provides:
- real-time water data — accurately track water usage to the minute;
- usage targets — set daily, weekly and monthly water goals to help improve efficiency;
- instant leak alerts — get immediate alerts for leaks or left-on faucets to avoid water waste and high bills;
- appliance breakdown — see detailed reports on how much water each fixture and appliance in your home uses; and
- outdoor insights — gain detailed insights into outdoor water use to help you manage your irrigation schedule effectively.
The number of devices available through this program are limited and offered for each account on a one-time only basis.
To claim a free water monitor — visit Flumewater.com/sbmwd, purchase the device for $25, which includes tax and shipping, install it within 30 days and receive a $25 rebate, officials said. Devices installed after 30 days will not be eligible for the refund.
