The City of Battle Creek is excited to join thousands of cities across the country in asking neighbors to make a long-term commitment to conserving water.
Neighbors can join the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation by signing up for a series of simple, informative pledges to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and save energy, online at www.mywaterpledge.com. The pledges will become available on Monday, April 1.
Cities with the highest percentage of neighbors who take the challenge in their population category will win. Battle Creek will compete in the 20,000-99,999 category. Participants have the chance to win $3,000 toward their home utility payments, water-saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes. One charity from a winning city will receive a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid to serve the community.
The annual challenge runs April 1-30, and is a nonprofit community service campaign that encourages leaders to inspire their neighbors to make these types of pledges to the community and environment.
“The City of Battle Creek is proud to be part of the Kalamazoo River Watershed,” said Mayor Mark Behnke. “The Kalamazoo River played a vital role in our city’s early development and was essential to the success of our cereal industry. The river is making a strong comeback from years of pollution, and provides several recreational opportunities for our neighbors.
“The City of Battle Creek realizes the importance of keeping this resource clean and healthy, and I encourage our neighbors to participate in this fun and educational challenge. When people come together, we can make a lasting impact in our community.”
Last year, neighbors from over 3,800 cities in all 50 U.S. states pledge to reduce their annual consumption of fresh water by three billion gallons, reduce waste sent to landfills by nearly 80 million pounds, and prevent more than 177,000 pounds of hazardous waste from entering our watersheds.
The challenge also is a great opportunity for neighbors to considering purchasing a rain barrel, as a way to conserve water and reduce runoff. The city’s annual rain barrel sale is going on now, and is open to all, whether you live in the city limits or not. Visit www.upcycle-products.com/battle-creek for more information and to purchase online.