Broken Arrow City Council
Meeting of: 03-19-19
Title:
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Consideration, discussion, possible approval of, and authorization to execute a Proclamation declaring support for and encouraging participation in the 2019 Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation
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Background:
If approved, the Proclamation will declare Broken Arrow’s support for and encourage participation in the 2019 Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, which is a friendly contest against cities from across the nation. Residents in participating cities are asked to take a series of online pledges that encourage water-wise habits. The pledges encourage small changes that will make a big impact for Oklahoma water resources. The city who has the most residents that take the pledge in their population category will win bragging rights and a deserving charity in their city will win a Toyota Highlander Hybrid! Broken Arrow will compete in the 30,000 - 99,999 population category for 2019. There are many prizes that residents can win such as $3,000 towards utility bills, gift cards, and irrigation supplies. Residents can take the pledge at BrokenArrowOK.gov/waterpledge April 1st 30th. Then, they can share with friends and family to receive a chance to win even more prizes. Broken Arrow ranked 18th last year, but our goal is to reach the top 10 this year!
How It Works:
1. Residents go to BrokenArrowOK.gov/waterpledge
2. Take a 4-step conservation pledge on behalf of the City of Broken Arrow
3. See city's current standings
4. Encourage their friends to take part
Why Conserve in Broken Arrow?
• Broken Arrow water usage nearly doubles during the summer months due to irrigation.
• Water runoff from irrigation flows directly into creeks and streams without treatment. This runoff can contain pesticides, oil, and other contaminants that are harmful to Oklahoma creeks and streams.
• Running a sprinkler during rain and/or freeze events wastes water, money, and can cause dangerous road conditions.
• An irrigation system that has a dime-sized leak can waste about 75,000 gallons per year.
The Message:
• Install rain and freeze sensors to irrigation systems.
• Test your sprinkler output so that you will know how long to water. You can use tuna cans to test your sprinkler output. Find out more on Facebook @conserveba.
• Do not over water.
• Having your sprinkler system inspected yearly for leaks can save you money and help prevent pollution!
• Repair leaks.
• Consider drip irrigation instead of sprinkler systems.
• Install low-flow faucets, shower heads, and toilets.
• Wash only full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Do not let the faucet run while washing dishes, brushing teeth, shaving, etc.
Call to Action:
City staff will utilize various communications tools to publicize the pledge for citizens. Messages will include website postings, social media messages, a dedicated Facebook page for conservation in Broken Arrow (@conserveba), an introduction video featuring the Mayor, and an invitation for residents to share videos and photos. City Utilities Department staff will have a booth at the Rose District Farmer’s Market each Saturday in April where residents can take the pledge and enter to win a rain barrel. And for our small residents, Kindergarten through Second Grade students in Broken Arrow, Union, and Bixby Public Schools will receive water conservation activity books teaching them how to be water-wise at their home.
Staff recommends that the Council approve the Proclamation and authorize its execution.
Cost: $0
Funding Source: Source
Requested By: Charles Vokes, Utilities Director
Approved By: Michael L. Spurgeon, City Manager
Attachments: 2019 Mayor’s Challenge Proclamation
2019 Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation Presentation
Recommendation:
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Approve the Proclamation declaring support for and encouraging participation in the 2019 Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation and authorize its execution.
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