SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - March 18, 2010) - California editions of National Geographic magazine's special issue on water include a four-page insert guide to water conservation sponsored by the Save Our Water program. The April issue of the magazine, titled "Water: Our Thirsty World," is devoted entirely to water and includes a lengthy story on California and its ongoing water supply challenges. This is the first time in more than 20 years that National Geographic has committed an entire issue to one topic.
"National Geographic readers are a natural audience for our water conservation message," said Timothy Quinn, executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies, one of the Save Our Water program partners. "We think this consumer guide will be a handy resource for Californians who want to do their part to stretch our state's water supply."
The Save Our Water four-page National Geographic insert provides hints for consumers on how to save water inside the home (run dishwashers and washing machines on full loads only, shorten shower times, turn off water when brushing teeth, etc) and how to save water outside the home (install water-efficient landscaping and irrigation systems, use a broom to clean the driveway, water in the coolest times of the day/night, etc).
California's Shrinking Water Supply
Originally designed for 18 million people, today California's water supply system does not meet the needs of the state's 38 million residents. Although the 2009-2010 winter rains are helping to improve conditions in some parts of the state, water continues to be in short supply in the Golden State. Population growth, climate change, drought and pumping restrictions due to environmental concerns contribute to California's shrinking water supply.
The Save Our Water public education program was created in April 2009 when the California Department of Water Resources teamed up with ACWA to increase statewide water conservation. Patterned after the successful "Flex Your Power" public education program, the program supplies Californians with tips and ideas on how to reduce water use, as well as provides ongoing education about the state's water challenges. Under landmark legislation passed in November 2009, California must reduce urban per-capita water use 20 percent by 2020. The Save Our Water program is working closely with local water agencies to help achieve that goal.
How To Get Your Copy of "Water: Our Thirsty World"
The National Geographic magazine is the official journal of the National Geographic Society, one of the world's largest nonprofit educational and scientific organizations. Published in English and 32 local-language editions, the magazine has a global circulation of around 8 million. It is sent each month to National Geographic members and is available on newsstands for $5.99 a copy beginning Tuesday, March 30. Single copies can be ordered by calling (800) NGS-LINE.
For more information about the "Save Our Water" program and ways to conserve water, visit www.saveourh2o.org or follow the program on Facebook or Twitter. For more information about ACWA, visit www.acwa.com. To learn more about the Department of Water Resources, visit www.water.ca.gov.
Contact Information:
Media contacts:
Jennifer Persike
Association of California Water Agencies
916-441-4545 or 916-296-3981 (cell)