The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, a nonprofit campaign presented by the Wyland Foundation, returns for its 15th year—this time, with an even more personal, powerful, and community-driven approach.
Since its inception, the challenge has engaged over 1,000 mayors and millions of residents, with communities pledging to reduce billions of gallons in water waste. This year, the new Impact Insight Tool allows participants to see exactly how their water-saving choices translate into tangible benefits—not just for the environment, but for their homes, finances, and quality of life.
Why It Matters Now
The challenge comes at a critical time. Droughts, infrastructure strain, climate change, and rising costs are putting pressure on water supplies nationwide. Water conservation isn’t just an environmental issue—it affects home values, insurance rates, food prices, and public health.
“The National Mayor’s Challenge has always been about bringing people together, but this year, we’re showing them exactly how these small actions add up—on a deeply personal level,” said Steve Creech, President of the Wyland Foundation. “With the new Impact Insight Tool, we’re connecting the dots between everyday water choices and the real-world impacts on the places people call home.”
How It Works
From April 1–30, residents of participating cities can visit mywaterpledge.com and take a short pledge to conserve water and reduce pollution. In return, they will:
• Track the Direct Impact of Their Pledge – The new Impact Insight Tool provides a localized report showing how their actions improve water quality, reduce infrastructure strain, and affect the cost of living.
• Compete for Their City – Cities with the highest percentage of pledging residents can win eco-friendly prizes, including $3,000 toward utility bills, water-saving technology, and more.
- Strengthen Their Community – Every pledge contributes to reducing plastic waste, minimizing pollution runoff, and ensuring a reliable fresh water supply for future generations.
More Than a Pledge: A Community Effort
The challenge unites cities, schools, businesses, and nonprofits in a way no other water conservation effort does. While mayors lead the charge, the real impact comes from the individuals and families who take part. With the Impact Insight Tool, participants can see how saving just a few gallons of water per day can:
• Improve local water quality by reducing runoff pollution from fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics. - Reduce strain on city water infrastructure, lowering maintenance costs and helping prevent rising utility rates.
- Support local economies by preserving clean water sources essential to tourism, recreation, and agriculture.
- Protect wildlife and biodiversity in nearby rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Beyond Conservation: Real-World Incentives
The campaign also rewards action. Participants will be entered to win eco-friendly prizes from The Toro Company and ZENNI Optical. One city in each of five population categories will earn the title of “Most Water-Wise in the Nation.”
The National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is supported by CBS Los Angeles, the U.S. EPA, The Toro Company, and the National League of Cities. Anyone from any U.S. city can take the pledge from April 1–30 at mywaterpledge.com.
About the Wyland Foundation
Founded by marine life artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s oceans, waterways, and marine life through education and public awareness. Its programs engage communities nationwide in hands-on conservation efforts that create measurable impact. Learn more at wylandfoundation.org.
