Kristen Zimmer, Conservation Coordinator, 509.625.6573
Monday, November 23, 2020 at 3:20 p.m.
The first ever Water Wise Challenge took place over the summer months of 2020 and was an inspiring inaugural effort by many Spokane households to save water throughout the hottest season of the year. About 50 contestants ultimately rose to the challenge to compete against themselves to conserve water comparatively to their summer 2019 usage in July and August. In total, 326,328 gallons of water were saved throughout the Water Wise Challenge!
It is a delight to announce that the Hudson Family is the official 1st place winner and worked together to save tens of thousands of gallons of water month-over-month. The Hudsons will receive the top-tier $300 utility bill rebate prize and were also recently presented with an award from the City recognizing their incredible water conservation work at home!
Credits began at a minimum 10% reduction in use, which qualified for a $50 utility bill rebate, $100 rebates were disbursed for those who reduce by at least 20%, and $200 rebates were awarded to those who reduce by 30% or more! 16 winners emerged in the end, and a total of $2,500 rebate credits were distributed. Households were able to set goals to reduce water use throughout the two-month measurement period, implement them in action, and ultimately experienced great success with a variety of both indoor and outdoor water-saving tactics.
The Hudson Family were not alone in opting to take shorter showers, limit their yard irrigation, and be extra-vigilant whenever a tap was running in the house. Other household water-saving tips included hand-watering garden veggies and potted plants, only running full loads of dishes and laundry, as well as turning off the faucet when brushing teeth, washing faces and hands, and so on. Some activities were easier than others, but many of them can be continued all year round.
If you’re as inspired as we are to continue the water-saving momentum, Water Wise Spokane is here to help with tips for reducing indoor and outdoor water use, as well as rebate programs for updating appliances and other water wasters. We look forward to an even bigger and better Water Wise Challenge over the summer of 2021, and heartily thank and congratulate everyone who participated this year.
