Dine-out San Diegans will soon see table-top “tents” aimed at reminding them that water is served only on request.
Members of the San Diego County Water Authority and two restaurant associations gave away thousands of the reminders at restaurants and at San Diego Restaurant Week.
The table toppers, developed by the water authority and local chapters of the California Restaurant Association and the Food & Beverage Association, are part of a countywide outreach campaign.
“Serving water only on request is a visible sign of water conservation efforts that our members have made in day-to-day operations that patrons rarely see,” said Chris Duggan, the local government affairs director for the San Diego County California Restaurant Association. “These table-top tents will serve as reminders about the need for everyone to do their part.”
Water officials said they did not anticipate cutbacks in supplies of imported water this year that would trigger mandatory rationing affecting member agencies. But rationing could be instituted in 2015 if conditions fail to improve.
“A safe and reliable water supply is critically important to our industry — from the crops grown at local farms to preparing food and drinks for our guests,” said Stephen Zolezzi, president and chief executive of the Food & Beverage Association of San Diego. “We’re asking residents to join us as we look for ways to trim water use while maintaining the quality of life that defines our region.”
The table toppers were funded by a grant from the state Department of Water Resources.
— City News Services
