News Release Archive

Reclamation Water Conservation Award Goes to Metropolitan Water District of Southern California

Media Contact: Bob Walsh , 702.293.8421, rwalsh@lc.usbr.gov

For Release: April 14, 2006

The Bureau of Reclamation recently presented its 2005 Regional Directors Water Conservation Award to the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for promoting an outdoor landscape water conservation ethic in southern California and throughout the state."

"Through its California Landscape Rebate Program, Artificial Turf Incentive Program, and City Makeover Programs, MWD has been instrumental in demonstrating the beauty and practicality of water saving, 'California Friendly' landscapes without sacrificing residents' tastes or preferences," said Bob Johnson, Director of Reclamations Lower Colorado Region. "MWD has also implemented an extensive outdoor water conservation campaign that has proven effective in reducing water use," he added. Reclamation is pleased to be a partner with and support MWD in its efforts to reduce outdoor water consumption in southern California."

Collectively, the water conservation programs have encouraged the use of drought-tolerant plants and the installation of water-efficient technologies and techniques in public, commercial and residential landscapes. They have led to the installation of "California Friendly" landscapes in new commercial and residential developments, local parks and public spaces.

The impacts of these programs are expected to be significant: water managers anticipate savings of up to 85 percent in outdoor landscape water use will be accumulated over the next decade. The Bureau of Reclamation supports water conservation efforts of local water agencies through its Water Conservation Field Services Program. This program focuses on improving the efficiency of water use through a combination of new technology and best management practices.

Through the Field Services Program, Reclamation provided a grant of approximately $500,000 to MWD for the start-up of these programs. Reclamation has also provided more than $600,000 in grants, as well as technical assistance, to other southern California entities to assist them with their water conservation efforts.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.