City of San Luis Obispo, CA

The City of San Luis Obispo is proud to announce its participation in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, happening the month of April. This friendly, nationwide competition urges residents to make a series of online pledges at mywaterpledge.com to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and cut down on energy consumption. 

“As we continue to feel the disruptive effects of a rapidly changing climate, conserving water is not just a temporary response—it’s a long-term priority for our City,” said Mayor Erica A. Stewart. Water stewardship isn’t just about responding to drought; it’s about building long-term resilience in our community. By participating in the Wyland Foundation’s Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation, we are empowering residents to take meaningful action by pledging to conserve water and adopt more efficient practices at home and in their daily lives. I encourage everyone in San Luis Obispo to take the pledge and demonstrate our community’s shared commitment to protecting our water resources. Together, we can help ensure a reliable, sustainable water future for generations to come.

Now in its 16th year, the Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation encourages cities of all sizes to raise awareness about the importance of saving water. Participants are asked to make simple pledges such as finding and fixing household leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, choosing water-wise landscaping, and adopting everyday habits that conserve resources.

Key Details of the Challenge Include:

•  Duration: For the month of April, residents across the nation take water-saving pledges online.
• Prizes and Rewards: Cities compete in population categories; residents from the winning cities are entered into daily prize drawings, as well as a grand prize drawing for a chance to have their utility bills paid for one year (up to $3,000).
• School Involvement: One school in each winning city will also receive 100 pairs of Zenni Remakes eyewear for students, each pair made from recycled plastic to further promote conservation.
• Support for Climate Goals: By choosing to conserve water, the community also reduces energy consumption associated with water treatment and distribution, aligning with the City’s Climate Action Plan.

In 2025, participants from more than 2,800 U.S. cities pledged to reduce their freshwater consumption by billions of gallons, cut millions of pounds of waste sent to landfills, and prevent thousands of pounds of hazardous waste from entering local watersheds. Through community-led actions such as these, the Challenge continues to have a substantial impact on water and energy conservation nationwide.

How to Join the Challenge: 

1.  Visit mywaterpledge.com and select “San Luis Obispo” as your city. 
2. Make simple online pledges to adopt water-wise habits. 
3. Track our City’s progress in real time and see how we compare to other communities across the country. 
4. Encourage friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses to take the pledge. 

For additional ideas and hands-on projects that promote water conservation in your own backyard, visit wylandfoundation.org/mywaterproject.

About the Wyland Foundation
Established by environmental artist Wyland in 1993, the Wyland Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s oceans, waterways, and marine life. Through art, education, and community events, the foundation encourages broader awareness of water conservation and sustainability practices. To learn more about its work, visit wylandfoundation.org.