San Diego and Poway were among five cities of different sizes recognized Tuesday as the “most water-wise” in the United States in an annual challenge sponsored by the Wyland Foundation.
More than 3,900 cities took part in the foundation’s annual National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. The five winners in each population category were:
- Hermosa Beach (population 5,000-29,999)
- Poway (population 30,000-99,999)
- Torrance (population 100,000-299,999)
- Aurora, CO (population 300,000-599,999)
- San Diego (population 600,000+)
“San Diegans have always been statewide leaders in reducing their water usage and I am proud to see our efforts recognized on a national level,” said San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer. “As we aim to meet the state’s mandated water-use reduction of 16 percent, I am confident San Diegans will continue to lead by example. The easiest way to save water is to scale back on outdoor watering.”
Last year, San Diego placed second in the challenge among major cities, just behind Dallas.
The Wyland Foundation, named for wildlife artist Robert Wyland, is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life.