As Colorado families start their sprinklers for the season, a local nonprofit is kicking off a new initiative to ensure families don’t get soaked by soggy landscapes and leaky fixtures. Resource Central, a nonprofit based in Boulder, has launched H2Own It — a new water conservation initiative to engage thousands of Colorado residents with easy conservation actions and water-wise prizes.
The initiative is part of the nonprofit’s Billion Gallon Challenge to help local families conserve one billion gallons of water by 2020. It was spurred in part by Colorado’s dry winter and low snowpack, which is currently close to half of what it normally is this time of year, though it varies significantly by location. Low snowpack can increase the risk of drought conditions.
“Water is a finite and valuable resource, and we can’t afford to waste it,” said Neal Lurie, president of Resource Central. “Colorado’s population is expected to double by 2050, and our water supplies will have a hard time keeping up with population growth without smart conservation strategies. H2Own It empowers families to create lasting changes to help ensure that everyone has enough water for future needs.”
H2Own It provides an introduction to water conservation for new residents and long-time homeowners. The interactive site features quick action items and suggestions, as well as opportunities for families to win water-wise items, including a free high-efficiency toilet and Garden In A Box kit of water-wise plants.
Resource Central’s programs have helped Colorado families save millions of gallons of water. With H2Own It, the nonprofit aims to save hundreds of millions more by helping people identify inefficient sprinklers, leaky toilets, thirsty landscaping, and by reaching out to families in high-use areas and new Colorado residents. The outreach campaign was developed with support from the Walton Family Foundation.
“Most people don’t think about how much water they use outside for non-native landscaping,” said Kate Larson, the nonprofit’s water program director. “It’s common for families to spend more than a thousand dollars a year on their water bills, but they can easily cut those costs with just a few simple changes. We’re asking people to be aware of their water use, and pledge to be more efficient.”
Learn more about the initiative and how to conserve water at h2ownit.org.