Fairgoers Pledge to Save Nearly 13 Million Gallons of Water per Month

Californians visiting the 2009 State Fairpledged to save nearly 13 million gallons of water per month at home,according to a tally of pledges taken at the "Save Our Water" exhibit atthe fair. The exhibit, a joint effort of the California Department of WaterResources (DWR) and the Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA),drew more than 9,000 visitors over the course of the fair, which ran fromAug. 21 to Sept. 7.

Fairgoers who took the pledge were asked to commit to simple water-savingactions around the house, including taking shorter showers, turning off thetap while brushing their teeth, and washing only full loads of laundry. Thepledges were tallied last week.

"This kind of response shows that Californians understand our state is in awater crisis," said DWR Director Lester Snow. "As we prepare for apotential fourth year of drought, it is critical that Californians getserious about conserving water."

The 4,000-square-foot exhibit featured educational information about thestate's water problems, including interactive games and age-appropriateinformation for children. The exhibit was highlighted at the fair's "SaveOur Water Day" on Sept. 1, and the first 1,000 visitors through the gatesthat day received free water conservation grab-bags with shower timers,water-saving tips and other information.

"It is very gratifying to see the response to our call for conservation atthe State Fair'sSave Our Water exhibit. It shows that the conservation message is gettingthrough," said Timothy Quinn, ACWA's executive director. "Waterconservation is a major priority for local water agencies, and the publicis responding. As we move into the new water year -- which may again be adry one -- it is critical that we continue to help Californians do whatthey can to reduce their water use."

via flex.sys-con.com