MVWD Recognized as EPA WaterSense Promotional Partner of the Year by Monte Vista Water District Oct 14, 2024 Member Submitted News MONTCLAIR – Monte Vista Water District (MVWD) has earned national recognition from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with its first WaterSense Promotional Partner of the Year Award! The award was presented at the annual WaterSmart Innovations conference in Las Vegas, NV on September 26, 2024. The EPA recognized more than 50 utilities, manufacturers, builders, a retailer, and other organizations that make it possible for consumers and businesses to save water, energy, and money by promoting water-efficient products, homes, and programs. MVWD was one of 10 Partner of the Year Award winners from across the nation. Through social media and in-person education, MVWD implemented WaterSense campaigns and water conservation initiatives throughout the year. During Fix a Leak Week, for example, MVWD demonstrated simple leak repair tips with “how to” graphics on social media. The Leak Repair 101 Workshop provided hands-on instruction on how to fix leaks and efficient irrigation maintenance tips while attendees were provided basic leak repair kits. In 2023, MVWD hosted several events to help customers combat drought conditions with programs and resources to be water-wise. MVWD hosted its first-ever Waterwise Expo in April 2023, showcasing the benefits of California native plants, efficient irrigation techniques, and strategies for maximizing water savings. In June, MVWD hosted a Sustainable Landscaping Lunch & Learn to help property managers and maintenance teams work together to improve commercial landscape water use. Sprinkler Spruce-Up and Smart Irrigation Month campaigns encouraged customers to visit MVWD’s Customer Service Lobby for irrigation tips and giveaways as well as to sign up for their Sprinkler Timer Program, Nozzle Retrofit Program, and Irrigation Tune-Up Program. On social media, MVWD promoted Water Tip Wednesdays with weekly messages aimed at waterwise irrigation tips and promotion of WaterSense-labeled products when purchasing new appliances, plumbing fixtures, and irrigation products. Throughout the year, MVWD encouraged people to commit to water conservation through the I’m for Water Pledge, receiving 557 responses. In collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and the City of Montclair’s Economic Development Department, MVWD spread WaterSense messages to the business community through e-newsletters and social media. “Our Board of Directors and staff are committed to helping our customers make conservation a way of life, which is made easier through the resources available by EPA and the WaterSense program,” said Sandra Rose, President of Monte Vista Water District’s Board of Directors. “We are honored and humbled to receive this prestigious recognition from EPA.” Last year, MVWD earned its first-ever WaterSense Excellence in Outreach Award. MVWD provides a variety of free programs and rebates to help customers make minor improvements around the home to use water more efficiently, which can result in savings on their water bill. Products that carry the WaterSense label help save water as well as yield lower water and energy costs. WaterSense-labeled products can be found at most retail stores that sell appliances, plumbing fixtures, and irrigation products. For more information, visit https://www.epa.gov/watersense/watersense-products.
