CH2M HILL WaterMatch Partners With Wyland Foundation On National Mayor's Challenge For Water Conservation

Challenge asks U.S. residents to pledge to conserve water and resources during Earth Month in April

CH2M HILL WaterMatch is proud to partner with Wyland Foundation on the National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation to promote resource conservation and the importance of sustainability leading up to and throughout Earth Month in April. The National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation asks U.S. residents to sign an online pledge at www.mywaterpledge.com to conserve water and resources. Cities with the highest percentage of residents who make the commitment are entered to win hundreds of environmentally friendly prizes.

“CH2M HILL knows first-hand that sustainable water and resource management is critical to the future of our global community, economy and environment,” says Lee McIntire, CH2M HILL Chairman and CEO. “We support the National Mayor’s Water Challenge for Water Conservation because it takes action by all of us—individuals, organizations and government—to create a more sustainable world.”

Founded by renowned marine artist Wyland, the Wyland Foundation brings attention to the importance of healthy oceans and waterways, aligning with the global sustainability and environmental stewardship values that guide CH2M HILL’s business every day, and drove the company to create WaterMatch. A grassroots, goodwill initiative, WaterMatch is a unique social network connecting water users with water generators to promote the beneficial reuse of municipal effluent (wastewater) by industry and agriculture. Reusing municipal effluent conserves freshwater, offers a secure source of water for industry, and promotes the development of healthy communities. During the challenge, residents can earn points for their city by pledging to learn where their wastewater goes by visiting WaterMatch and searching the Matching Map. In addition, mayors can help their residents earn more prizes by making sure their local wastewater treatment facility’s information is on the WaterMatch map.

New to the challenge this year is the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience, a 1,000-square foot interactive exhibit which demonstrates the ways water shapes human lives. The traveling exhibit features interactive models - from an onboard running river to a 40-person theater with computer-controlled special effects - to explore the nation's complex relationship with its water resources. Since early March the tour has been traveling across the U.S., visiting schools and community events.

The challenge is also supported by Toyota, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National League of Cities, Rain Bird Corporation, Lowe's Home Improvement stores and the U.S. Forest Service. For the first time, mayors and elected officials who participate in the National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation can earn additional prizes for their residents if their cities win. A second prize drawing for a $1,000 Lowe's shopping spree will be held among all participants, regardless if a city is among the six winning cities. Last year, residents who participated in the challenge pledged to reduce their water use by 4.7 billion gallons.

"There is no city that managing water resources won't touch in the future,” said artist Wyland. “These personal commitments and educational efforts are one piece of an important effort to save our waterways."

To learn more about the Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Experience and National Mayor's Challenge, visit www.mywaterpledge.com. For tips on how to save water every day and to learn about water-efficient products for the home, visit www.epa.gov/watersense. To learn where your wastewater goes and how industry and municipalities can connect to reuse more water visit www.ch2mhill.com/watermatch.

About CH2M HILL WaterMatch
Headquartered near Denver, Colorado, USA, employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global leader in consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management for government, civil, industrial and energy clients. The firm’s work is concentrated in the areas of water, transportation, environmental, energy, facilities and resources. With US$7B in revenue and 28,000 employees, CH2M HILL is an industry-leading program management, construction management and design firm, as ranked by Engineering News-Record. The firm was named Water Company of the Year at the 2012 Global Water Awards. For more information,Visit www.ch2mhill.com.